Jermain Defoe backs Sunderland promotion credentials after watching 'loads of the games' this season

Jermain Defoe’s long-awaited return could prove to be a timely boost for Sunderland’s hopes of earning promotion back into the Championship.

The Black Cats’ season has stagnated somewhat and the patience of the board came to a head in the crushing 6-0 defeat to Bolton on Saturday.

Lee Johnson was relieved of his duties as the manager with Sunderland out of the automatic promotion places behind Rotherham and Wigan who both have games-in-hand.

But in the midst of all the negativity surrounding the club, there were a couple of bits of really exciting news just an hour or two after the January transfer window closed.

The signings of Jay Matete and Defoe were completed with the announcement of the latter drawing some serious traction from supporters on Wearside.

The former Tottenham and England striker’s arrival will breathe some much-needed life and ambition into everyone at both the Academy and Stadium of Light.

His experience will be vital on the pitch and off it and, after admitting he has watched plenty of Sunderland matches this season, he is extremely confident the club have what it takes to earn promotion.

“Of course it’s a strong squad,” he told the club’s official YouTube channel. “I keep mentioning that belief but that’s the key thing and I’m looking forward to working with the younger players.

“Hopefully I can give them a lot, I’ll always be approachable, they can always come up to me and speak about anything. I’ll obviously keep them on their toes, make sure we’re all in it together, make sure everyone’s working because the reward is so big.

“All the sacrifices and the hard work are for something that’s special at the end so I want to give something back and help the younger lads to push the club back to where