Diouf has eyes on Europe

Diouf: Nothing to prove

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El Hadji Diouf is hoping to fire Sunderland into European reckoning this season.

The Senegal international joined the Black Cats from Bolton over the summer, and is confident that his new club have the potential to challenge towards the top of the table.

The striker tasted life in the Uefa Cup during his time with the Trotters and sees no reason why Roy Keane's men cannot replicate that achievement.

Sunderland begin their 2008/09 campaign against Diouf's former team, Liverpool, giving the African ace an added incentive to help the club make a positive start.

Dream

"The Sunderland fans dream about playing in Europe and we should aim to get there. Why not?" he said.

"I think we have a team to finish in the top eight. The lads did a good job last year and we have some quality new signings, I really think we can do something, we just need to believe in ourselves.

"This can be a really big club. We have a big game on Saturday, a fantastic game and we can show people what we're about and where we want to go."

Magic

Diouf insists he has nothing to prove to his former employers this Saturday, but will be giving his all to ensure that his time on Wearside begins with a three-point haul.

"Why not score on Saturday?" he added.

"I would love to do it but if I get an assist for a team-mate and we win, that is just as good. I play for the team and work hard for them.

"I have nothing to prove. People know El Hadji Diouf is a good player, that's it. The Liverpool defender who is up against me, he will know I have the magic to score or give an assist.

"People say it is a tough start but for me it's just one game in the Premier League season. It's the same if I play Liverpool, Newcastle or Bolton - I play to win."