Sam calls the shots

DEFOE GIVEN 2ND CHANCE

SAM ALLARDYCE is set to hand Jermain Defoe the opportunity to spark Sunderland’s relegation fight into life.

Big Sam takes charge of his new side for the first time today and could pair outcast Defoe with in- form Scotland striker Steven Fletcher ( below right).

Despite challenging the former Tottenham striker ( below left) to become “more than a goalscorer”, Allardyce is ready to choose experience up front against West Brom.

The Black Cats have had limited success with just one striker leading the line this season.

Fletcher, who grabbed four goals in two games for his country, and leading scorer Defoe, who netted f ive times in August, could be the answer.

Allardyce said: “We have goals in the camp – Fletcher seems to be scoring quite regularly. And Defoe can score as well.

“There’s a lot of Premier League experience here. Can I help the players apply that Premier League experience as a team?

“Can I guide them in a better way to make sure that helps the other players who have come in, who don’t have as much experience?

“Hopefully, we can score a few goals from set-plays too. If we can keep that going, and sort out the defensive side, we should be OK.

“My first priority is to try to get this team winning.” Big Sam wants to spice up his attack, because fellow strugglers West Brom have a strong defence.

He added: “With Tony Pulis being at West Brom we know they will be very difficult to break down. That’s something we will have to pay particular attention to.

“Tactically we will have to be correct in how we approach the game. We have to make sure we are not hit by a sucker punch.

“If we stop gifting as many goals as we have been, hopefully it will be enough to get us a good result at West Brom. I need to get them out there and get them believing.”