NAZARIY RUSYN has admitted he has found it difficult to settle in England, but the Ukrainian forward remains confident he can be a success at Sunderland.

Rusyn joined the Black Cats on deadline day from Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk, but was forced to kick his heels in the first half of last month waiting for complications with his visa to be resolved.

While he was eventually given the green light to train and play in England, his involvement with Sunderland’s first-team squad has been restricted to four brief substitute appearances.

The 24-year-old did not speak a word of English when he left his native Ukraine, and admits that has made it hard to settle down on Wearside, but with his family set to join him soon, he is hoping to be able to kick on in the next few months.

“It’s hard for me because I don’t know the language,” said Rusyn, in an interview with Ukrainian media outlet Tribuna. “This is the main problem. Communication is very important for football players.

“It’s difficult, but that’s okay. I’m getting used to it little by little. Now, the family will move, and it will be easier. I need time, I understand that I’m not in a hurry. I try to listen to the coach, do what he wants, and just get used to it.”

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Rusyn is currently away from England on international duty with Ukraine. He did not make the matchday squad for his nation’s 2-0 win over North Macedonia in a Euros qualifier yesterday, but will hope to feature in Tuesday's game in Malta. He will then attempt to persuade Tony Mowbray he deserves a starting place as Sunderland return to Championship action with a trip to Stoke City next weekend.

Rusyn has been impressed with the standard of England’s second tier, with the competitiveness of each and every game standing out.

“The pace is much higher, and every team can beat every team,” he said. “Almost all clubs are equal, only Leicester stands out, more or less.

“The games are very difficult, there are no easy matches. It’s a high level, a very good championship, high pace and the players work very well with the ball. All the guys are very technical. This is a great experience for me. I am very glad that I got into a team where I can play and develop.”