Ola Toivonen says his first target at Sunderland is to help keep the club in England's top flight.

The 29-year-old Swedish forward joined the Black Cats from French club Rennes late last month and is determined to help the Wearside club avoid a similar situation to last season where they only stayed in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth.

Toivonen admits it was a difficult time towards the end of the summer transfer window but is glad he got to reunite with former PSV Eindhoven boss Dick Advocaat.

"I had a stressful two weeks," he told the Chronicle.

"I was in to make a transfer somewhere but it didn't happen for some reason. Then I said to my agent to try to get me a move on loan. Then everything was popping up in different places. There was more interest from clubs.

"I got the call on the Monday evening because Dick (Advocaat) could move on me for a loan and I said, 'Let's go.'

"Firstly it is about trying to help Sunderland stay up and we will go from there. The most important thing for me was to change club. It was difficult for me and the family in France. We have the Euros coming up and it is important to play regularly because of the competition for national team places.

"Staying at Sunderland is, of course, in my thinking, but we will see.

"Everyone I spoke to had great things to say about Sunderland, saying there were great facilities. It was also a chance for me to play in the Premier League.

"When I got the call I didn't hesitate. When you look at the players we have here it can only get better."