O´Neill wants goals from Sessegnon

Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill has challenged Stephane Sessegnon to score more goals.

The Benin international, who signed for six million pounds from Paris Saint- last season, scored in last week’s 3-2 away win over QPR.

Yet the newly appointed Black Cats boss believes the skilful attacker has yet to reach top form.

“When you are searching around for a system to play, Sess doesn’t get enough goals,” O’Neill told Sky Sports.

“But he was interesting against Blackburn when I thought he caused problems going down the flanks.”

“The lack of chances, and not getting into the area, means he doesn’t score a lot so he feels his best work is out of the box.”

The 27-year-old has now scored three goals this season, after being deployed in a more attacking role, with the former Aston Villa coach suggesting Sessegnon could be used as a striker in the future.

“It would be great if he was prolific and I believe he is capable of scoring more goals. It was a great finish at QPR. I just want him to be able to play a proper centre-forward’s role and get hold of the ball,” O’Neill said.

“He got a big lift from scoring the goal but I think there is more to come from him.”

With Asamoah Gyan currently on loan at Al-Ain, Frazier Campbell sidelined with a knee injury, and Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-Won both still adjusting to the Premier League after their summer moves to the Stadium of Light, O’Neill has once again backed the quality of on-loan striker Nicklas Bendtner to provide a significant goal threat for the club.

“We all know what Nicklas can do. He was up against some real competition at Arsenal although speaking to him, you’d never know,” O’Neill said.

“In his eyes the only player better than him was Messi! But I know he’s capable of causing real problems and being a great player for us. He has the qualities.”