Reece James insists his focus is on Sunderland's promotion push - not whether he will still be at the club next season.

The 25-year-old has not played since the Checkatrade Trophy Final defeat to Portsmouth last month because of injury but was back in training on Wednesday.

It was has been one of the few bumps in the road for James at the Stadium of Light and the left-back has largely managed to stay fit this season following his previous injury problems.

And with four games left of the season, James' focus is on playing his part in getting the Black Cats back into the Championship - not the fact he is entering the final months of his contract.

“I think at the moment not really," he said when asked about contract talks while speaking at the club's #fireupourcity event at Peterlee Fire Station.

"The main thing is we get through to the end of the season and concentrate on that, and that’s where my focus is at the moment. Anything after that will be a bonus so we need to make sure we go up.”

There is plenty of competition for places at left-back with Bryan Oviedo and Denver Hume also battling it out for a starting spot under Jack Ross.

But that is something James, who came through Manchester United's academy all those years ago, has relished.

“I think it’s good and keeps you on your toes," he added. "It pushes your as you know you’ve got to perform because if not someone will be ready to take your spot and I think that’s the good thing the gaffer’s built.

"He’s built that in every position and everyone’s got to push to be the best they can.”