Sunderland defender Wes Brown has backed loan signing Ricky Alvarez to impress this season.

The Inter Milan forward, who signed a season-long deal with the Black Cats on deadline day, made his debut last Saturday in the team's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Having already been impressed by Alvarez during his short time at the club, Brown expects the 26-year-old to make a big impact at the Stadium of Light this year.

"He's settled down well," Brown is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "He's got great skill and I'm sure in a couple more games he'll show what he can do. He looks a very good player."

Alvarez could feature for Sunderland again on Saturday when they travel to Burnley in the Premier League.