Sunderland midfielder Max Power has revealed that he is delighted with his new advanced midfield role and that he wants to add more goals to his game.

Following the Black Cats' 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at the weekend, attention has now turned to Saturday's fixture with Oxford United.

Power, who was named team captain prior to the start of the season, featured throughout the draw with Rovers, playing in a more advanced midfield role than his accustomed holding midfield position.

Former Wigan Athletic midfielder Power has made 85 appearances for the Black Cats, netting seven goals and gaining 4 assists.

And he has now revealed his ambitions to add more goals to his game, speaking with Northern Echo on Tuesday.

“I’ve spoken to the gaffer and said I want to improve on the goal return,” said Power. “In the last few games, I’m getting in the box a lot more now.

“It’s something I want to add to my game. I’ve been given more of a licence to go forward, so I feel as though I’ll be able to arrive in the box and get shots off.

“I’m a team player and I’ll always do what’s asked of me. But I won’t hide the fact that I do enjoy playing higher up. I feel as if I can get more goals there. Over the last two seasons, the goal return has probably been in question, but I’ve been playing a disciplined role in front of a back four. I want to justify the manager’s faith for playing me ten or 15 yards further up the pitch.”

Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson will be hoping his side can bounce back from the 1-1 opening day result which saw George Dobson sent off in added time to hand the Black Cats boss a selection headache.

Power could very well be Sunderland's key player this season, having been handed a more advanced role and the team captaincy role.

Having suffered a failure to gain promotion last term, Power's words are positive and good to hear as the Black Cats look to return to the Championship.

Do you think Power will net a sufficient amount of goals this season? Let us know in the comments section below...