Gyan celebrates his second goal against Stoke with teammate Jordan Henderson

Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan has thanked manager Steve Bruce for handing him the opportunity to impress in the 2-0 win against Stoke City on Saturday.

Gyan's two-goal haul earned a vital three points for the Black Cats, following the 5-1 derby defeat by Newcastle United the previous weekend.

"I waited patiently, and he gave me my chance, and I feel I proved myself," Gyan told BBC Newcastle.

"We came back from a big defeat and we've put smiles on everybody's face."

Gyan's contribution was made all the more important given the absence of the club's top scorer, Darren Bent, with a hamstring injury.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has started with Bent and Gyan in a front two just once since the latter joined the club from French club Rennes in August, in a 2-1 Carling Cup defeat by West Ham United.

With Bent now ruled out for three weeks, Gyan is set for an extended run in the side.

However, the Ghanaian is disappointed he will not be able to forge a partnership with the England international.

"I was a bit disappointed, Darren has done so well for the club, and I was given a chance to play with him, but he had a few problems [with the hamstring injury]," Gyan continued.

The Ghana international has made nine appearances since arriving on Wearside, scoring four goals.

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