Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan is seeking to make more of an impact at the Stadium of Light.

The Ghana international signed for the Black Cats on transfer deadline day from Rennes in a record £13million deal for the Wearsiders.

However, the 24-year-old who made a real impression during the World Cup finals, has yet to make his first league start for Steve Bruce'sside.

All four of Gyan's appearances have come from the bench, although he has contributed two goals since signing for the club.

Bruce has urged Gyan to build up his fitness levels, with the former Udinese striker playing a total of just 86 minutes in his four outings.

Rovers return

Gyan feels he is now ready to be thrown in for a full 90 minutes and has pencilled in next Monday's trip to Blackburn as a chance to make an impression.

"The manager has been picking the right team because the results have been good," he said.

"He understands my situation. I have had a very busy time since I joined Sunderland and I needed to work on my fitness.

"Hopefully, after this international game, I can come and show him I am at the top of my fitness now.

"Any player wants to be playing the big games like Manchester United - this is what I was looking forward to about coming to England.

"There are a lot of big games to come, especially the game at Newcastle soon - which I know will be crazy - and I think I will be able to give everything for the team when I come back."