Sunderland loanee Dion Sanderson is confident the club can achieve promotion back to the Championship this season.

The Black Cats face Lincoln City in the first leg of their League One play off semi final next Wednesday at Sincil Bank.

The second leg is on the Saturday at the Stadium of Light.

21-year-old Sanderson made 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal before his season was cut short in April due to injury.

The defender was recently crowned as Sunderland's Supporters Young Player of the Season.

" My time here at Sunderland has been class" Sanderson told the club website.

"When I came here, all I wanted to do was just as much as I could to help the boys.

"I have every confidence in the team to finish the job and win the play-offs.

Sunderland suffered League One play off heartache in the 2018/19 season losing 2-1 to Charlton Athletic at Wembley.

The following season, the Black Cats finished outside the play offs as the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heading into the first leg of their play-off semi final, Sunderland have won just one of their last nine league games as they ended the season in 4th place in League One.

After receiving his from the supporters, Sanderson believes the fans have made his time at the club even better without being in the stands.

"I had to work hard to get in the team to begin with.

"I was in and out of the squad at the start, but since the head coach (Lee Johnson) came in, he gave me a chance and everything I feel has gone well.

"The fans have been absolutely class, and for me it couldn’t have gone any better.”

Meanwhile, supporters are looking to secure tickets to Sunderland's play-off semi final second leg on Saturday 22nd May.

The last time fans stepped foot in the Stadium of Light was on 7th March 2020 when Sunderland drew 2-2 with Gillingham.

Subject to availability, fans with 2020/21 season cards have until 4pm tomorrow to purchase tickets.

Fans with season cards for the 2021/22 season will have a window of opportunity between 10am and 4pm on Friday 14th May to get their tickets, subject to availability.