Waghorn impressed on-loan at Leicester City last season

Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn has set his sights on establishing a place in the first-team after last season's impressive loan spell at Leicester.

Waghorn scored 12 goals in 47 games at the Walkers Stadium, enough to persuade Black Cats boss Steve Bruce to retain him as part of the squad this campaign.

"There's been interest in me from other clubs," Waghorn told the BBC.

"But the gaffer says he wants me to stick around, fight for my place and break into the Sunderland squad."

Bruce revealed during the club's tour of Portugal that the striker would not be available for loan, amid reported interest from Hull City.

It took me a while to get going but once I got going I was flying, and hopefully I can take that into the Premier League Martyn Waghorn

Meanwhile, the South Shields-born forward says he remains indebted to the Foxes for giving him an opportunity to impress at Championship level.

Prior to his switch to the East Midlands, Waghorn had made just 12 appearances for Sunderland and Charlton Athletic.

"They gave me my chance last year. I came on loan without many games under my belt," he said.

"It took me a while to get going but once I did I was flying, and hopefully I can take that into the Premier League season."

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