Sunderland manager Steve Bruce will hand a first Premier League start to record signing Asamoah Gyan against Stoke City this weekend.
The 24-year-old Ghana international’s only previous start since his big-money move from Rennes came in the Carling Cup, but Bruce is prepared to change tactics following the 5-1 drubbing at Newcastle United last time out.
Bruce told the club’s official website:“He is something different. I am sure he will be a big hit in the Premier League.
“He is a little bit off the wall and he will do things that will frustrate you, but he’s got that little bit of brilliance that can win you a match.
“We have invested a lot of money in the kid and I hope he can come in and give us the spark which the crowd will enjoy.
“It’s a response to what happened last week. Our Achilles heel is we haven’t scored enough, so I just think it is right, after what has happened this week that we give the kid his chance.
“I think he can give everybody a spark and a lift.”
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