Jermain Defoe hopes to "nick a few" early goals when Premier League starts

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe is hopeful of getting on the scoresheet early when the Premier League season starts next week.

The 32-year-old, who joined the Black Cats from MLS side Toronto FC in January, has found the back of the net twice in pre-season friendlies so far.

The forward is gearing up for pre-season matches against Doncaster Rovers and Hannover 96 before Sunderland's league opener away to Leicester City on August 8.

"Sometimes it helps when you manage to get a few goals in pre-season, just in terms of confidence, but we want to get off to a good start to the season as a team too," Defoe told the Sunderland Echo.

"Obviously if I can contribute and nick a few goals early on, then that obviously helps."

Sunderland sealed top-flight survival last season by three points.