Martin O'Neill lays down gauntlet to new boys Adam Johnson and Steven Fletcher

The Sunderland manager, Martin O'Neill, has challenged new boys Adam Johnson and Steven Fletcher to reward his faith in them by bringing goals the club.

Owner Ellis Short spent more than £20m on the pair in an effort to increase the club's firepower, with England winger Johnson recruited to provide the ammunition for Scot Fletcher.

While O'Neill was thrilled to land both of his top summer targets, he knows the investment will count for little if they do not produce the goods on the pitch.

He said: "It's still potential because we have still to go and prove that we are capable of scoring goals in the big league."