Bent's protracted moved to Wearside became one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer with Tottenham holding out on their valuation and the striker going public with his frustration.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp once made a famous jibe about the former Charlton and Ipswich hitman, which soured their relationship.

But Nosworthy always knew Bent would be a massive success after his £10m move to the Stadium of Light.

He said: "Give Darren Bent chances and he'll score goals. Simple as.

"I couldn't wait for him to come to Sunderland, and with the record he's always had then you were a bit surprised Spurs were willing to sell.

"Some players don't hit it off straight away at new clubs and need time.

"Benty didn't get that time down there, but you knew from before he went to Spurs that he would always get goals.

"He's nothing to prove to anyone – at Spurs or elsewhere.

"He's got enough goals to his name to hold his head high.

"He never lost faith in his ability and he's come here and shown he's a class act."

Sunderland – 2-1 victors at Spurs last season – can overhaul the Londoners and climb as high as fourth in the Barclays Premier League if they manage back-to-back wins at White Hart Lane for the first time in 53 years.