Jermain Defoe’s arrival at Sunderland has created “a buzz” around the Stadium of Light, said his new Black Cats strike partner Steven Fletcher.
The England international penned a three-and-a-half-year deal with Gus Poyet’s side last week, and made his debut in their 2-1 defeat at former club Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, leaving Sunderland just a point above the Premier League relegation zone.
Jermain Deofe has been an England regular over the years
But Fletcher believes Defoe’s signing from Toronto FC has given everyone at the club an instant lift.
He said: "There is a buzz about the training ground and the fans are delighted to have a massive signing like Jermain.
"He is a great player and I think hopefully a few of the boys will learn off him as well.
"We changed our formation a bit for the game and it was working well but we switched off for a minute and they punish you with a great finish.
"Obviously we got a bit more space. When there is one up front you are surrounded by three men and we just thought it was better for me and Jermain to get some more space, so hopefully in games to come we will get to know each other better."
Defoe made his England debut against Sweden in 2004, and has scored 19 goals in 55 internationals.
The 32-year-old has featured at two major tournaments, the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
