Victor Anichebe made his Sunderland debut last weekend.
David Moyes has told the Shields Gazette that Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe is simply not ready to start yet.
Anichebe made his debut for Sunderland as a substitute during their 2-0 defeat against Stoke City last weekend.
However, Moyes feels that the former Everton striker is still some way away from being able to play for 90 minutes.
“Victor was in the squad at Stoke and got a few minutes near the end,” Moyes said.
“I don’t think he’s ready to start. Ideally, I’d have probably tried to get him a reserve game first, but I couldn’t do that.
“I needed him at Stoke because he was a senior player and we didn’t have many of those available.”
Anichebe is playing catch up with his fitness at Sunderland, as he missed pre-season.
The powerful forward was snapped up late on by Sunderland, as Moyes looked to solve his side’s striking crisis.
Sunderland are short of options up-front, with Jermain Defoe and Anichebe the only two recognised senior strikers in his squad.
Sunderland are next in action at the weekend, when they take on West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
