Gaffer hails the power of three as Cats thrill on return to top flight

SUNDERLAND boss Regis Le Bris expressed his delight at having “strong” forward options this season.

- By REBECCA JOHNSON AND CLIVE YOULTON

The Black Cats have made a dozen signings this summer in preparation for the Premier League, but all three of their goalscorers during Saturday's 3-0 win against West Ham were key players in last year's Sky Bet Championship campaign.

Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor combined for 23 Championship goals in total last season and both strikers made an instant impact on Saturday, scoring on Sunderland’s topflight return along with defender Dan Ballard.

The Black Cats have added the loan signing of striker Marc Guiu from Chelsea, who was on the bench but did not feature against the Hammers, and Le Bris admitted he is “really happy” with his options in the forward department.

“We are lucky because we have strong players in this position, it's not easy to have now three strikers able to play at that level,’ the Frenchman said.

“They are young, really talented with different qualities.

“Probably we have during the season different options, one who'll start, one who'll finish, maybe one who'll stay on the bench and next game it could be a different setup.