Jeremain Lens is desperate to impress new boss David Moyes and prove himself at Sunderland after a difficult first season with the club.

Big things were expected of the Dutchman following a £9million switch to the Stadium of Light from Dynamo Kiev but his 2015-16 campaign was largely frustrating.

Lens was limited to just 14 Premier League starts and dropped down the pecking order under former manager Sam Allardyce, who briefly made the winger train with the Under-21 squad.

There had been speculation Lens could depart earlier in the transfer window but the 28-year-old says he wants to prove himself at Sunderland.

Moyes is now in charge following Allardyce’s decision to take the England job and Lens is eager to impress the new manager at the Stadium of Light.

He told the Northern Echo: “What happened last year is in the past now. I have started a new season and I want to look forward. Hopefully, it’s going to be a better season for me now.”

He added: “Hopefully, Sunderland fans will see some more from me this season. I try to do my best in every game and every training session, and hopefully I can show the Sunderland fans why the club bought me.”

Sunderland have been handed one of the toughest assignments in the Premier League in the opening round of fixtures as they face a trip to Manchester City on August 14 for Pep Guardiola’s first competitive game in charge at the Etihad Stadium.

The Black Cats are 13.00 to secure a win in Manchester or 6.00 to come away with a point, while City are 11.00 to win the match 3-1.