‘MATTHEWS MUST IMPROVE,’ ADVOCAAT

Advocaat wanted a more offensive option at right-back as part of the system he wants to adopt at the Wearsiders after deciding not to offer Frenchman Anthony Reveillere a new contract.

Matthews, 23, who spent the last four years at the SPFL champions, admitted: “Dick Advocaat said: ‘We’ve been watching you for a while and I like what I see. But you’ve got to work on a few things and, hopefully, I can make you a better player’.

“I’m sure he’ll be able to do that and with the players here I can only improve. I’m very excited to just get started.

“I like to attack. but the manager has already told me I need to work on my defending ,so I’ll try my best to do that.

“I like to get on the ball, I like to get forward and, hopefully, score a few goals.”

Matthews could make his Sunderland debut in Thursday night’s first pre-season friendly at Darlington before the Black Cats jet off to North America on tour.

The Wales International added: “It’ll be a good opportunity for me to get to know the players.

“You’re interacting with each other more when you’re on tour, so that’ll be good for me. Hopefully, we’ll come together as a team and start the season as well as we can.

“I’m obviously a bit nervous. Its a big change for me, but I’m sure they’ll make me feel welcome and help me improve as a player so I’m looking forward to meeting them all.

“I hope I can settle in really well.”