Victor Anichebe will not be ready to make his Sunderland debut against his old club Everton on Monday, David Moyes has confirmed.
The Black Cats signed free agent Anichebe on Friday after failing on deadline day to land either Leicester City’s Leonardo Ulloa or Norwich City’s Steven Naismith.
But Anichebe, who left West Bromwich Albion at the end of last season, is still building up his fitness and Moyes says he will not rush the 28-year-old into action.
“He’s going to need a while, because he is not ready to play yet and we are going to give him plenty of time,” said Moyes, who handed Anichebe his Premier League debut for Everton in 2006.
“If Victor is right, he can be a real handful.
“We didn’t get a centre-forward on deadline day, which we hoped and expected to get.
“So Victor was always in my mind in case I needed something else.
“In truth, I wanted Victor to be a part of it as well, because he will play a part in games and the length of the season will mean he is needed.
“He is here for one year, which keeps him on a short leash, and show people what he can really be.”
The Black Cats signed free agent Anichebe on Friday after failing on deadline day to land either Leicester City’s Leonardo Ulloa or Norwich City’s Steven Naismith.
But Anichebe, who left West Bromwich Albion at the end of last season, is still building up his fitness and Moyes says he will not rush the 28-year-old into action.
“He’s going to need a while, because he is not ready to play yet and we are going to give him plenty of time,” said Moyes, who handed Anichebe his Premier League debut for Everton in 2006.
“If Victor is right, he can be a real handful.
“We didn’t get a centre-forward on deadline day, which we hoped and expected to get.
“So Victor was always in my mind in case I needed something else.
“In truth, I wanted Victor to be a part of it as well, because he will play a part in games and the length of the season will mean he is needed.
“He is here for one year, which keeps him on a short leash, and show people what he can really be.”