Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has questioned whether Fabio Borini is happy to be at the club.
After rejecting a move to the Stadium of Light a year ago, Borini completed a £10m switch from Liverpool on the final day of the transfer window to finally return to the club after spending the 2013-14 campaign on loan at the Black Cats.
Phillips is certain that the Italian can be a success under Dick Advocaat, but he is concerned that the deal took so long to complete.
"I'm pleased he's back because he's a goalscorer, a fans' favourite and he's proved he can do it in the past," Phillips, who is now on the Leicester City coaching staff, told reporters.
"My only issue is does he really want to be there? This has been going on for a while so why hasn't it happened sooner?
"There's no questioning his ability and if his mind is right, if he knuckles down and puts in the performances, I've no doubt he can be a big success and score the goals like he did the last time."
Borini scored 10 goals in 40 appearances in his previous spell with Sunderland.
Callum Mulvihill
