Cats boss finally signs City striker Benjani

Feb 3 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Bruce said: “He’s a big, strong, powerful centre-forward and one we’ve been tracking for a long time. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring him to the club. He’ll bring another dimension to our striking options and will be a great addition to the squad.”

Bruce has been understandably thrilled by Darren Bent’s impact in his first season in the North East, but he was concerned about the lack of suitable cover in the event his top goalscorer picked up an injury.

Although Fraizer Campbell remains a player of vast potential, he has failed to prove he is ready for a regular starting berth and has often been used in a wide role by Bruce, who is trying to gradually get him used to life in the Premier League.

The arrival of Benjani will also give Kenwyne Jones proper competition for a place in the starting line-up.

Jones’ performance against Stoke City on Monday night was an encouraging one – and much improved on recent weeks – as he tries to put a difficult transfer window behind him, but it will help to keep him on his toes.

Benjani, whose move to Sunderland was resurrected late on Monday after talks regarding a permanent deal had broken down over personal terms last weekend, is likely to be on the bench for the visit of Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

The striker, who has also played for Auxerre in France, as well as Portsmouth and Manchester City in the Premier League, has only played six first-team games this season and is bound to be lacking match sharpness.

Benjani’s only goal of the current campaign came in the 1-0 FA Cup win at Middlesbrough and he scored just seven goals in 31 games following a £4m move to the City of Manchester Stadium two years ago.