Sunderland boss Steve Bruce insists Benjani has not been brought in to replace Kenwyne Jones.
The need for added options convinced Bruce to sign City striker
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce insists Benjani has not been brought in to replace Kenwyne Jones.
The Black Cats boss has landed the Manchester City striker on loan until the end of the season, with the deal finally ratified by the Premier League on Tuesday.
The powerful Zimbabwean will help to increase Bruce's attacking options at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland having struggled for goals of late.
He will, however, be used in tandem with either Jones or Darren Bent, with the trio now competing against each other for starting roles.
There had been speculation during the January transfer window that Jones could soon be on his way out of North East, with Liverpool reported to be interested, but Bruce insists that he is keen to strengthen his squad in all areas, not deplete it.
He told the
Sunderland Echo: "You can seen a lot of similarities between the style of Kenwyne and Benjani.
"They are both very tall, very powerfully built front men who can cause defenders real problems on their day. They are both capable of making and creating goals too.
"But I don't want Benjani to replace Kenwyne, I need him to give us another option because we have been a bit light in the striking department.
"Darren Bent has got us a stack load of goals this season, but I think that working off a big man is something he thrives upon, and Kenwyne has been a big help to him in that direction.
"So, getting Benjani in means that we still have the option of pairing a big man with Darren if Kenwyne gets suspended or injured.
"It's reassuring for a manager to have competition for places up front and getting Benjani to the club gives us another body to consider, another option.
"He's a player I have admired for a long time and I think he's going to be an excellent addition to the squad."
