But with both playersno longer with Sunderland ahead of the start of the new season there were concerns that Gyan could again play as the lone striker for the club.

Sunderland signed the likes of Connor Wickham, Seb Larsson, David Vaughan and Craig Gardner this summer.

The Ghanaian is delighted with the players signed by manager Steve Bruce ahead of the start of the new season.

“As a striker, you’re always a little bit reliant on the players around you, and with the changes we have made this summer, I think we have a team that will create a lot of chances,” said the 25-yearold, who will be part of the squad that travels to Championship side Burnley on Saturday.

“That’s a good sign.

“It was a good summer because I was keeping a close eye on what was happening at the club, and I was really excited by all the players coming in.

“One day I was reading about Seb Larsson coming from Birmingham, then the next I heard about Connor Wickham signing from Ipswich.

For a while, it seemed to be a different player every day.

“I know the players from watching them last season, and when I heard they had signed for Sunderland I was delighted because, as an attacker, you want to be playing with the best midfielders and forwards you can.

“The manager has signed players who will hopefully make my life easier. I think we have a side that will create a lot of chances and I can’t wait for the season to start now.”

Gyan made his first preseason appearance in Wednesday’s 2-1 win at Kilmarnock, following a summer break that saw him repeatedly linked with a possible move away from the Stadium of Light.

The Ghana international has ruled out any chance of leaving Wearside, and is instead focusing on bettering last season’s achievements.