Ghana international Asamoah Gyan says the pressure is on to plug the gap left by Darren Bent at Sunderland.
But the Black Cats’ £13million record signing reckons he has what it takes to help the Wearsiders recover quickly from Bent’s shock £24m move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
Steve Bruce’s side start life without the England striker as they travel to Blackpool bidding to maintain their Euro push on Saturday.
And eight-goal Gyan said: “There’s definitely pressure because Darren has been the main man scoring a lot.“But I’ve done OK so far and hope it continues. I have to keep showing what I can do. As a forward everyone expects you to score because that’s your job.”
Gyan struggled for match fitness after his high-profile arrival from Rennes in September.But the 25-year-old fan favourite is finding his feet in the Premier League, with seven goals in eight starts helping to lift Sunderland up to sixth.
Ghana’s World Cup star added: “I’m firing now. I’ve worked hard to get my fitness back up to this stage. It can still be a great season as we all believe in ourselves and know what we’re capable of achieving.”