Diouf - Best is yet to come

Senegalese forward looks ahead to derby day

By James Dall   Last updated: 22nd October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Diouf - Best is yet to come

Diouf: Pleased to have a break

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

El Hadji Diouf is hoping he will return to his battling best when Sunderland lock horns with North East rivals Newcastle United on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 & HD1.

Diouf was an unused substitute in last weekend's goalless draw at Fulham following his time with Senegal on international duty.

The 27-year-old forward has made six Premier League starts since joining the Black Cats from Bolton Wanderers, but concedes the Wearside faithful have yet to witness the full extent of his capabilities.

He told the Sunderland Echo: "I'm not in my best form but I think the best is coming.

"When I signed for Sunderland, I had no summer break - I had four games. That is why I am a little bit tired.

"It's good for me to have a break and I like what the gaffer has done, giving me a little break from playing.

"It is good for me and will help me come back to playing my best football."