David Moyes is convinced Sunderland can fire themselves out of relegation trouble if his players give Jermain Defoe a helping hand.
Defoe's eight goals to date this season have helped to get the Black Cats back in touch with the race for survival, but until Fabio Borini struck at Manchester United on Boxing Day, only the former England striker, sidekick Victor Anichebe and full-back Patrick van Aanholt, as well as Leicester defender Robert Huth, had found the back of the net in the Premier League this season.
Both manager Moyes and chief executive Martin Bain have signalled their intention to resist any attempt to lure Defoe away from the Stadium of Light next month with West Ham boss Slaven Bilic having made little secret of his admiration.