TORE Andre Flo admitted last night that he has been a £8m disappointment since joining Sunderland.

Flo, Sunderland's record signing and the man bought to lift the goalscoring gloom that has enveloped Wearside for more than a year, made an immediate impact on his debut with the equaliser in the draw with Manchester United.

But he has not scored in the Black Cats' last four Premiership games and was culpable in the St James' Park surrender last month.

A week ago, Flo was upstaged by free signing David Bellion as the teenager hit the winner against Aston Villa.

And while the Norwegian striker hopes Tuesday's double at Cambridge United will trigger a goal rush, he is aware he has failed to justify his transfer fee thus far.

Flo, 29, said: "My confidence wasn't that bad before the Cambridge game, but I have had some not so good performances lately.

"My start has been a little bit disappointing but the quality is so high in the Premiership that, even if you're feeling very good, you might end up being disappointed.

"I had hoped to play better earlier but I said when I joined Sunderland that you have to play at your very best if you want to do well in England.

"You can't be sloppy at any point because you'll be caught out.

"But hopefully I'll do better in the future. The ball was sitting better in my feet on Tuesday and hopefully that win will do me a lot of good."

Flo received manager Peter Reid's backing last night as he looks to kickstart his Sunderland career. Certainly, Flo was impressive in the demolition of Cambridge, and Reid believes Black Cats fans will see the best of his 6ft 4in forward shortly.

He said: "It's taken Tore time to settle, which is what sometimes happens with players. But he's a quality player and we saw his ability in midweek. His control and his hold-up play was excellent.

"I know the Arsenal game is one Tore will really be looking forward to and will be up for."

* Kevin Phillips, a prospective future strike partner for Flo, is set to return to action ahead of schedule and play against West Ham United on October 19.

The forward has recovered well from surgery to cure a hernia problem and Reid said: "Kevin is a quick healer and without tempting fate it's smashing news."

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