Steven Fletcher is hopeful that he can form a fruitful striking partnership with Sunderland new boy Jermain Defoe.

The 32-year-old, who joined the club on Friday, made his Black Cats debut in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, with Christian Eriksen bagging an 89th-minute winner.

"There is a buzz about the training ground and the fans are delighted to have a massive signing like Jermain," the Scot told BT Sport. "He is a great player and I think hopefully a few of the boys will learn off him as well.

"We changed our formation a bit for the game and it was working well but we switched off for a minute and they punished you with a great finish.

"Obviously we got a bit more space. When there is one up front you are surrounded by three men and we just thought it was better for me and Jermain to get some more space, so hopefully in games to come we will get to know each other better."

Gus Poyet's side sit two places and one point above the relegation zone.