Grigg did not become 'a bad player overnight' at Sunderland

Will Grigg has admitted to struggling at Sunderland since moving in January 2019

Will Grigg did not shy away from admitting his time at Sunderland so far has been a bad one.

Despite a big-money move to the Stadium of Light, Grigg scored just eight goals in 57 appearances for the club in two years in the north east. Offered an option out during the last transfer window though, the 29-year-old has scored three times in six outings, and set up a further three goals for MK Dons on his return to the club on loan until the end of the season.

"Football has it's ups and downs," said the striker. "At Sunderland, it hasn't been great, there's no hiding that it's not been a successful time for me or the club.

Grigg scored and set one up in midweek against Gillingham

"As a player,. I've always had the confidence in myself, training well every day and then for whatever reason, it just wasn't happening. I always knew myself, and my team-mates knew I wasn't a bad player and I haven't changed overnight into a bad player.

"I think I've proven that even though I've not played football in a year, I've come into six straight games and performed consistently well with goals and assists. I'm not saying I'm there, and I've been brilliant for every minute because it's not the case.

Earlier this week, Dons boss Russell Martin said the striker had been proving a lot of people wrong, and indeed right, with his performances since his move to Stadium MK, but Grigg said: "In terms of proving people wrong, I've not what I've gone out to do. It's my job to play football and score goals. For me, it's just nice to be out there doing what I love. The only people I need to prove anything to is my team-mates and the staff."

Although he only spent a year at the club in 2014/15, Grigg said his feelings towards MK Dons suggest a longer tenure in the past, and said it was good to be back.

He said: "The fact it was only a year seems strange. It felt like home at the time. I was a part of a very special group, it was my first real success in my career and I absolutely love it, as did my family. It's been in the heart and in the memory for a long time. It's great to be back."