Sunderland's Jermain Defoe believes he will continue his solid goalscoring form as the new season progresses.

The 32-year-old striker has already notched two Premier League goals, as well as a hat-trick in the Capital One Cup this term, to surpass the four he netted for the Black Cats in 19 appearances after arriving from MLS club Toronto FC in January.

After managing to get a full pre-season under his belt, former Tottenham star Defoe is supremely confident that he can fire the Wearside club up the Premier League table.

"For me, it was important to get a pre-season," he told safc.com.

"Obviously, I signed from Toronto (in January), and before I signed I had an injury so I didn't play for about four months. So it was quite difficult, to be honest.

"I always knew it was going to take time to get that level of fitness and sharpness, and that's why it was important to get through the season and focus on having a good pre-season so I could start sharp, which I have done.

"That's why I'm happy now, I've had a good pre-season, I feel strong and hopefully there are more goals to come."