Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has suggested that the club's supporters may not see the best of Ignacio Scocco until next season.

The 28-year-old has struggled to find form since joining the Black Cats from Internacional in January, but Poyet believes that a full pre-season will help the forward settle in England.

"I don't know how many good games we can get out of Nacho Scocco before the season ends," Poyet told the Sunderland Echo.

"I had hoped that the final 10 games of the season we would start seeing the best of him after he joined us in January.

"What I am looking forward to is seeing Scocco next season after he has had a full pre-season behind him."

Scocco is likely to be named in the squad to face Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night.