Former Sunderland midfielder Kevin Kilbane is backing their bid for Tim Cahill.

Sunderland are trying to bring in New York Red Bulls midfielder Cahill on a short-term loan deal until the MLS season begins in March.

"Sunderland have struggled to score goals this season and if there's one thing Tim Cahill does, it's score goals," Kilbane told the Sunday Sun.

"I remember him stepping up from the Championship with Millwall to join Everton in 2004 and he made a huge impact, finishing as our top scorer with 11 goals in his first season.

"Tim played in an advanced role just behind a lone striker, similar to the role Stephane Sessegnon has played at Sunderland this season, and he provided the link between midfield and attack - I don't think there are many players better than him at that."