Low profile rehab for Campbell

Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell dealt with his long-term injury lay-off in an unusual way, by attending games dressed in disguise.

Campbell, 24, moved to Sunderland from Manchester United for 3.5 million pounds in July 2009.

He has made just 34 league appearances for the club after having to undergo two separate knee ligament operations.

During the injury set-backs, Campbell opted to cheer his team-mates on from among the supporters at the Stadium of Light.

“I was in disguise at a couple of games, yes, it’s true, but you know it didn’t last very long,” he told Sky Sports News.

When asked what he wore, Campbell said: “Everything. Hat, scarf but it was great to be part of the crowd and watch the lads do well.”

Since his return to full fitness, Campbell has been in fine form, grabbing the equaliser in Sunday’s 1-1 FA Cup fourth-round draw with Middlesbrough, before scoring a superb opening goal in the 3-0 league victory over Norwich on Wednesday.

“It’s been a long road, but there’s always been that light at the end of the tunnel and to score on a night like that, it’s been brilliant,” he said.

Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner heaped praise on Campbell since his return to the side, adding the striker’s quality gives Martin O’Neill’s resurgent team a whole new dimension.

“Fraizer’s a player that we’ve been missing all season. He’s a top, top player and he’s like a new signing,” Gardner said.

“He runs the channels, he’s strong, he’s quick, he scores goals and we’ve missed him.”

“He’s a character and a good lad but to be out for so long and to come back and score two important goals is a credit to the lad. He’s been brilliant.”