Striker Fabio Borini is the man to help Sunderland climb the Premier League table according to former Black Cats striker Michael Proctor.

Borini had a successful loan spell at the Stadium of Light during the 2013/14 season, scoring ten goals in 40 appearances.

Having failed to win a place in Brendan Rodgers’ plans at Liverpool he made the permanent move to the north east before the transfer window closed and Proctor says he can lead the line well for Dick Advocaat’s team.

“Bringing Fabio Borini back to the club was a big deal for us because it gives us something a little bit different,” Proctor told the Sunderland website.

“He brings pace and energy to the team and hopefully we can stretch teams from in behind, so he was an important signing and I think the overall shape and strength of the squad is very good.”

Sunderland have just two points from five Premier League games so far and sit above only rivals Newcastle in the table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth.

Proctor feels that summer arrivals Yann M’Vila, Jeremain Lens and Ola Toivonen offer good quality to support Borini, Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher in the final third and he says there are plenty reason for Sunderland fans to be optimistic.

“There is a lot of quality at the top of the pitch and I believe there are a lot of goals in there as well, so if we can get the ball up to them and provide support nice and early we have match-winners in the side.

“We also have quality from the bench now and good strength in depth so there are plenty of options available to Advocaat,” added Proctor.

Sunderland are 5.25 to defeat Bournemouth on Saturday with Borini available at 12.00 to score the opening goal.