Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe has heaped praise on manager David Moyes after he stood by him after a difficult period in his career.

The powerful forward was on hand on Saturday to give the Black Cats their first win of the campaign over Bournemouth.

Sunderland, 1.40 to be relegated this season, fell behind when Dan Gosling opened the scoring but Anichebe and Jermain Defoe both netted to give Moyes a much-needed win.

The former Everton boss surprised many when he signed Anichebe on a free transfer after he left West Bromwich Albion in the summer.

He made 168 appearances for the Toffees under Moyes after coming through the ranks at Goodison Park and the 28-year-old has thanked the Scot for sticking by him.

“It is a thank you to David Moyes,” Anichebe told the Liverpool Echo. “The manager has always shown faith in me. I have known him since I was 14, or something.

“I was set to go abroad after last season. “I saw my contract out at West Brom, and thought I wanted to go abroad.

Then the manager got the job at Sunderland. I always wanted to work under him again. “If he hadn’t left Everton, I probably wouldn’t have left. It is a pleasure to work under him.

“He has shown faith in me and worked me hard to get back. Hopefully I can continue to repay him. Just doing it once isn’t enough for the faith he has put in me. Hopefully I can keep repaying him.”