Could he be in for another season loan spell or a permanent move to Wearside? The Sunderland faithful would certainly like to think so, the popular Italian was yet another who arrived quietly but took full advantage when his chance came. The surprise sale of Sessègnon with no replacement signed in his place left a bitter taste for many fans; but in truth a replacement - at least in the short-term - had been drafted in in the shape of Liverpools Fabio Borini. It made little difference and certainly didnt quell the desire for new arrivals that would never materialize, but in Borini, unknown to most on Wearside, they had a player capable of scoring some of the most vital goals in recent history. Despite spells at Chelsea and Liverpool, his only Premier League goal had come the previous year at Newcastle. How Sunderland supporters would love him to repeat that! Oh, and he did, in spectacular fashion. Gus Poyets first game at the Stadium of Light against Newcastle had the new manager predicting a sub could make the difference. Borini would be that sub, after troubling the keeper with his first touch, next he sized up a perfect volley which arrowed into the net. With ten minutes to go, Newcastle had no response. Borinis eye for goal and knack of scoring at crucial times would endear him to the Black Cats fans. Scoring in the League Cup final to give Sunderland the lead will live long in the memory, even if it wasnt to be. Borinis qualities and nerve under pressure make him almost the perfect striker; and maybe, just maybe the successor to Super Kev.
