Forgotten man Fabio Borini ready to lift Sunderland

SUNDERLAND derby hero Fabio Borini reckons his English top-flight career is finally ready to take off.

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Fabio Borini feels he's ready to make his mark in the Premier League after scoring the winner against Newcastle [AFP PHOTO/IAN MACNICOL]
 

The 22-year-old Italian's stunning winner against Newcastle was only his second goal since joining Liverpool from Roma 16 months ago.
But after an injury-plagued season at Anfield, Borini believes he's ready to show what he's all about.

The striker joined the Black Cats on a season-long loan from Liverpool on transfer deadline day in August.
Before Sunday's 2-1 win he, like his team-mates, had struggled to make an impact. But he's confident that will change now Gus Poyet's revitalised side have a league win.

He said: "The goal will kick-start my career. In fact, it has already started.

"I believe in myself but it's given me a real shot of confidence and I hope it does the same for the team."
Poyet was close to starting with Borini in the Tyne-Wear derby and will be tempted to pair him alongside Steven Fletcher when he takes his side to Hull on Saturday.

Whoever plays this weekend, Borini feels the Black Cats have set their template for Premier League survival after a traumatic start.

Steven Fletcher is delighted with the change of mood at the Stadium of Light since Paolo Di Canio's departure [IAN MACNICOL/AFP/GETTY IMAGES]

“It was the best feeling in the world when I scored, so brilliant to feel such appreciation from the fans”

Fabio Borini

"The derby was an unbelievable game," he said. "We never gave up, unlike in previous matches.
"We conceded a goal but kept on going. That's where my goal came from because we defended well.
"It was the best feeling in the world when I scored, so brilliant to feel such appreciation from the fans.
"I knew this derby was a very big game but it is probably the best in England.
"As players, we are very fortunate as the atmosphere is so special.

"It's good to know that I am now part of the history of Sunderland. It's a very proud moment for me.
"I scored in the Roma derby two years ago and this feels similar. Maybe they will put up a statue of me!"
Fletcher claims the change of mood in the dressing room since the days Paolo Di Canio was tearing into his squad has been staggering.

He said: "It was bouncing afterwards and the music was on - it's been a while since that was the case.
"The fans have not had a lot to cheer about.

"But I think it showed from our celebrations in the first five minutes how much we wanted to win.
"We knew we needed to win this one because the fans have been telling us every day.
"But now we must build on it and climb the table."