Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan is ready to take on West Ham United at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday tonight.
The Ghanaian international is set for his first start for Sunderland following his club-record £13m move from French side Rennes last month.
Gyan has appeared twice off the bench - scoring against Wigan on his debut - as Steve Bruce allowed his big signing to build match fitness.
But having got a decent spell of training under his belt, Gyan believes he's now ready to take on a bigger role.
"My fitness is getting better; my condition is quite good and I think I am ready to play now," he said.
"My condition for the Arsenal game meant it wasn't good to risk anything and [not starting] was a good decision. The manager has to protect players.
"This game will be a stepping stone for me for Sunderland. I will be grateful to the manager if I start because I think I am ready."
Gyan appeared off the bench against Arsenal over the weekend and had a hand in Darren Bent's last-gasp equaliser.
And the striker has been impressed with the spirit shown by players and fans alike, explaining:
"We have just started the season but I hope we continue with our team spirit. For the first game [at Wigan] everyone was fighting for the team, and in the second game [Arsenal] also.
"If we continue that then I think we will do well in this league.
"Personally, I feel good. The fans are behind me; when I came onto the pitch on Saturday people were cheering and that gave me confidence. That is an important thing for us, the players.
"I am feeling at home. My family were there and the reception was incredible."