A King-sized task for Benjani

Feb 9 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Steve Bruce is ready to throw Benjani into tonight's must-win clash at Portsmouth. Mark Douglas reports.

If it is enthusiasm and vigour Bruce wants, picking Benjani would be a wise move.

The forward, desperate for a “new start” after two seasons spent playing infrequently for Manchester City (below), has been told by the Sunderland boss his future depends on his performances between now and the end of the season.

Originally signed on loan, Benjani is out of contract at the end of the season and knows there is an opportunity for him on Wearside.

For his part, Bruce saw the loan as a win-win situation after originally being quoted a six-figure fee and told Benjani was looking for a two-year contract.

Manchester City relented and the Zimbabwean was only too happy to move on to get games and prove himself.

Despite newspaper reports in the wake of his signing, he insists there are no question marks over his fitness and he is ready to play a big part.

He added: “It is a new start. Of course it is. If you go to a new club it is a new chance for you and I needed a new challenge.

“That is why I am here, because I need a fresh start.

“I did not get disillusioned at Manchester City. As you know, if you buy new expensive players it makes it very difficult for the players who are already there.

“They were spending a lot of money and that makes it tough. That is why I needed to come somewhere else to get games. They have bought a lot of players.

“Of course I would like to stay. That is the reason for coming here.

“Now I have to prove myself if I want to stay in the long-term, but if I can convince the manager I am worth it, of course I would like to be here and win a contract.

“The manager has says ‘It depends on how you play’. Of course I know that.

“I hope to play so well he has no choice but to keep me. I need to work hard and perform, though.”

To do that Benjani will have to unseat Kenwyne Jones and top scorer Darren Bent, who has been in superb form this season.

With Fraizer Campbell also in the mix, Sunderland suddenly have a few options up front – but competition for places will not worry Benjani.

He said: “I know they have two great, great players already at the club.

“The only way to get in is to push hard. I did not come here to sit on the bench, but I know they are both good players so I will need to work hard and make the most of the chances I get.

“If they keep playing as well as they did on Saturday I know I will be on the bench, but I will keep pushing.”