Bent eyes golden boot

(GSM) – Darren Bent wants to finish top of the English Premier League goal-scoring chart in this season.

The Sunderland striker has 24 top flight goals to his name this term, with an early effort against Hull City on Saturday keeping him in the hunt for the coveted Golden Boot.

He sits third in the standings at present, one behind Chelsea’s Didier Drogba and two adrift of Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney.

Bent only has two games left in which to try and eclipse his rivals, but believes he is more than capable of coming out on top – giving his World Cup bid another timely boost in the process.

“It would be nice to finish top of the pile,” Bent told the Sunderland Echo.

“I’ve given myself a chance and it’s great to be in that company.

“With a couple of games left now, hopefully I can get one or two more goals and give myself a chance,” Black Cats forward added.

Bent’s consistency has been a major plus point for Sunderland this season and has justified the £10million they splashed out to secure his signature last summer.

The 26-year-old has always had faith his ability to score goals at the highest level, and never doubted he would for the Black Cats, but admits that his level of success this season has come as something of a surprise even to him.

“I always knew I could do well and score goals for Sunderland, but I have to pinch myself sometimes with 25 goals (in all competitions).

“But you always have to believe in yourself and your ability and I do that 100 per cent,” striker explained himself.