Gyan beats down Sunderland pressure

Asamoah Gyan says he is thrilled with the level of confidence Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has in him but is refusing to set a goal mark for the season.

Bruce says Gyan can hit the 20 goal mark this season after scoring 11 in his first season.

It will be a massive improvement for Gyan whose best tally so far has been 13 at club level during his time with Stade Rennes two seasons ago.

"I really appreciate Steve Bruce because he has confidence in me and knows what I can do but football is a different thing all together," Gyan told KickOffGhana.com. "It's easy to say but I have to prove it on the field."

Gyan is keen not to put himself under pressure for the new season which will begin for him away at Liverpool this weekend but he has learnt the lesson of his introductory season in England well.

"The English league is one of the most difficult leagues in the world and you have to stay on your feet. As I always say if you are not 100 per cent fit you can't so well in it," he added.