Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe wants to get off to a flyer this new season.
Defoe joined Sunderland in January from Toronto FC.
“I always try to get off to a good start really," he said. “I want to make sure I'm ready for those first few games and make sure I'm sharp.
“Sometimes it helps when you manage to get a few goals in pre-season, just in terms of confidence.
“But we want to get off to a good start to the season as a team too.
“Obviously if I can contribute and nick a few goals early on, then that obviously helps."