Martin O'Neill backs Stephane Sessegnon to shine

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill believes that Stephane Sessegnon is on the verge of hitting top form after a disappointing start to the season.

Sessegnon scored his first goal of the season in last week's 3-1 victory over Fulham with a thunderous drive from distance.

O'Neill has admitted that the Benin international struggled to focus on life at the Stadium of Light after rumours of a big-money move failed to materialise.

He said: "He was somewhat sidelined by being touted around major football clubs. The view was that he may not be at this football club because some of the major clubs from abroad would be in for him.

"It didn't happen and at that stage, I think there was a bit of disappointment on his part. He did get a little sidetracked by all the furore that surrounded him.

"He has come back, signed a contract and he wants to go and prove himself again. What I would say is that Sess playing well is so, so important for us because he can cause problems and he makes other teams start to think about it."

The 28-year-old shone under O'Neill last season, scoring eight goals in all competitions.