Asamoah Gyan marked his first Premier League start for Sunderland by scoring both goals to clinch a 2-0 victory over Stoke on Saturday.

Having kept his big-money summer signing in reserve for much of the time since his arrival, Bruce had revealed in advance that Gyan would start today, and the Ghanaian responded with aplomb.

The Ghana striker grabbed a goal in each half to make sure Sunderland bounced back to form following their humiliation at the hands of Newcastle last week.

Gyan, who joined for more than 13 million pounds in August, a club record-signing, put Sunderland ahead after nine minutes and added another in the 86th minute.

Ghana defender, John Mensah also returned to Sunderland's starting side and despite going down twice in apparent agony clutching his shoulder, he was only replaced by Anton Ferdinand with 23 minutes remaining.