The on-loan City forward got his first up-close look at Jones and Bent in the Black Cats' 1-1 home draw with Wigan on Saturday.

Deadline-day signing Benjani had to wait until late in the game to win his debut as a substitute, and boss Steve Bruce has said his strikers will get another chance to improve further on their 22-goal partnership at Portsmouth tonight.

Benjani said: "I need to play, so I am pleased to be here and hopefully I will have more time on the pitch.

"There are a lot of good players at Manchester City and when that happens it can be very difficult – the only way forward is to work hard.

"It is the same here. You saw the performance of Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent on Saturday. They were very good.

"If they keep performing like this then it is going to be very hard to get into the team.

"Manchester City bought a lot of expensive players, so it was difficult to get time on the pitch, that is why I came somewhere else.

"The idea with this move is that I have to prove I can do something for the long term. If I do well I would like to stay here.

"It all depends on how I play. I am ready for the challenge."

Benjani's second game for Sunderland matches the Zimbabwe forward with the club that brought him to England four years ago.

The former Auxerre striker was an FA Cup winner with Pompey two years ago, but says he can't now dwell on the horrendous season they are having on and off the pitch.

He said: "I did well for Portsmouth, and when I was there was a good time for me. I hope I can go back and play well for Sunderland now.

"Of course, I want my former team to be successful, so I hope they come out of their problems.

"I wish them all the best, but I am going back with Sunderland, so if I play I will be trying to win."

Former Fratton Park team-mates have been quick to point out Sunderland's slide down the Premier League.

Benjani added: "I am still in touch with some of the guys at Portsmouth who I played with – David James, John Utaka, Kanu.

"Kanu was joking with me the other day saying, 'Hey, you're with Sunderland – you're going to be down with us now'. But I said it would not be like that."

Sunderland have not won in the league since November, and have won only once away from home this season.