Carl Winchester expects two tough tests in Portugal, as Sunderland begin pre-season trip

Carl Winchester is looking forward to returning to action during Sunderland's eight-day warm weather training camp on the Algarve. The Northern Ireland international missed the end of last season after picking up a groin injury in the Black Cats' 5-1 win against Cambridge, ruling him out of the run-in and the play-off final win against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

But he has returned for pre-season training with the rest of the squad in June, and was part of the squad that jetted out to Portugal yesterday to continue their preparations in the sun. While in Albufeira, Sunderland will play friendlies against Europa League finalists Glasgow Rangers on Saturday and then Jose Mourinho's Europa Conference League winners Roma on Wednesday.

"It's been great to get back and see the lads after some time off – training has been tough, but that's what we expect in pre-season," said Winchester. "We've been put through our paces at the Academy of Light for a couple of weeks now and we've all been looking forward to Portugal.

"Rangers and Roma are two top sides, so it will be a test for us, but that's what we're here for. Obviously Rangers reached the Europa League final and to come up against a Jose Mourinho side will be fantastic."

Sunderland's first two friendlies were played behind-closed-doors at the Academy of Light last weekend, with Alex Neil's side taking on Gateshead and Blyth Spartans in low-profile games. But the games out in Portugal at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira will be played in front of fans.

Winchester said: "The supporters were unbelievable at Wembley, and it will be great to see them again. Hopefully we can produce two positive performances and build towards the start of the season."

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