Sam Allardyce wants Jermain Defoe to become Sunderland's Sergio Aguero

Jermain Defoe has not been a regular for Sunderland this season

SAM ALLARDYCE has challenged Jermain Defoe to become Sunderland's version of Sergio Aguero.

 

Defoe, 33, has revealed his frustration about not being a regular starter for the struggling Black Cats this season.

But he made a major impact a week ago when he came on as a substitute in the 3-0 derby home win over Newcastle, releasing fellow striker Steven Fletcher to earn a game-changing penalty that Adam Johnson converted.

Ideally, Allardyce wants to play with one up front - and the choice is between Fletcher and Defoe.

 

Sam Allardyce wants Defoe to become Sunderland's equivalent of Sergio Aguero

On his display against Toon, Big Sam said: "There's no doubt about Jermain playing like that but, if it's 4-4-2, can the rest of the team cope?

"Jermain might score, but the opposition might score two. Jermain might score two and the opposition might score three!

"You can't control midfield if you have one player fewer there.

"Jermain could play up on his own maybe. Nobody thought, for a long time at Manchester City that Aguero could play up on his own but now you see him playing up on his own brilliantly.

 

"I'm two games into the job here and I thought Jermaine made a good contribution last weekend, so we'll see.''

Big Sam takes his side to Everton today with a salute to Goodison boss Roberto Martinez. Allardyce said: "I like him. He's done an 'apprentice', really, hasn't he?

"He's done his time as a player and a manager, and he's done a fantastic job wherever he's been, apart from the disappointment of Wigan being relegated.

"But it hasn't affected him, because he's ended up getting a massive club like Everton."