Asamoah Gyan is ready to accept the challenge of firing Sunderland into the upper reaches of the Barclays Premier League this season.
The 25-year-old Ghana striker arrived on Wearside last summer initially as a foil for England counterpart Darren Bent, but ultimately found himself taking a leading role after the former Tottenham frontman headed for Aston Villa in January.
Gyan's return of 11 goals in his first campaign was creditable enough as the Black Cats secured a 10th-place finish, and he will embark upon the new season at Liverpool on Saturday afternoon confident there is more to come from him.
He said: "It's a challenge, it's a challenge to me. I came here and I have proved to everybody what I am capable of.
"I think everybody will be expecting a lot, so I have to be ready to make sure I deliver the goals for the fans and for the club.
"I did quite well last season even though I was having problems with injuries, so I will make sure I take good care of myself and make sure I score a couple of goals."