Sunderland boss Steve Bruce expects Asamoah Gyan to come into his own after the sale of Darren Bent to Aston Villa.
Bruce took a swipe at Bent, pointing out Gyan has bagged more goals from open play this season than Wearside's new hate figure.
With injuries to Danny Welbeck and Fraizer Campbell, Gyan will operate as a lone striker at Bloomfield Road.
Boss Bruce said: "It's rare for a player to come from abroad and hit it off straight away.
"Asa is a good player. He has scored more goals than Darren from open play."
