Sunderland striker Aaron Connolly is in a “good place” as he waits for his first game for his new club according to head coach Regis Le Bris.

Connolly revealed in an interview last week that he had been battling issues with alcohol for a number of years.

But having arrived at Sunderland last month, the Republic of Ireland international has built up fitness and is ready to play.

“What we can see here on the pitches and in the building every day is very good. Aaron is in a good place,” Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle.

Connolly, who left Hull City at the end of last season when his contract expired, admitted that he had spent some time in rehab during the summer.

It was only after that he focused on football again, with the 24-year-old arriving as a free agent on Wearside after the transfer window had closed.

He was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw with Leeds United in the Black Cats’ last match.

But he has played some under-21 football to build up his fitness ahead of first-team involvement.

“We knew we needed three or four weeks to assess his physical level but he was really fit since the beginning,” Le Bris added.

“Then he needed to practise with his team-mates and he had two opportunities to play with the under-21s. He did very well and he scored a goal, so that’s good for a striker.

“He needed time to connect with the structure and the team and now he’s ready.”

Sunderland are top of the Championship but must wait until Sunday to play their game away to Hull City.