Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat has claimed that Jermain Defoe will not be used as a lone striker this season.

Defoe has already scored five goals in all competitions since the start of the new campaign, but he has previously voiced his frustration at being played out wide in a 4-3-3 formation.

The Black Cats look set to stick with the same approach for the foreseeable future, which means that new signing Fabio Borini could be given the responsibility of leading the attack.

"As a striker, Jermain can't do it on his own up front. Maybe in a two but not on his own," Advocaat told reporters.

Sunderland host Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill