DICK ADVOCAAT expects Jeremain Lens to be a key part of Sunderland’s attacking arsenal next season, but has warned the club’s supporters not to expect the Dutchman to produce heroics in every game.

Having caught the eye as he made his first Sunderland appearance at Doncaster on Wednesday night, Lens produced another impressive display yesterday as he scored the Black Cats’ winner in their 1-0 victory over German side Hannover.

The Holland international displayed commendable commitment to rob Salif Sane of possession before drilling home from 20 yards, and Advocaat is confident he will be able to transfer his impressive pre-season displays onto the Premier League stage.

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“Jeremain has come in and done well, although I think he can be even better than he was (against Hannover),” said the Sunderland head coach. “It was really warm, and that can affect someone who plays like he does.

“You cannot expect him to do what he did against Doncaster in every game, but he is someone who will always offer a threat to the opponent with his pace and shooting ability. The rest of his game will come, you will see.”

Advocaat was also delighted with Younes Kaboul’s display in Hannover’s HDI Arena as he made his first start following a £5m move from Spurs.

Kaboul played for the opening 56 minutes of the game alongside Sebastian Coates, and showed no signs of the multiple injury problems that plagued him last season.

“He (Kaboul) feels good,” said Advocaat. “I asked him how he was feeling at half-time, and he said that his legs were really good.

“He played 60 minutes or so and that is really good. He’s a good player. He’s quick and strong in the air, and that’s just what we need.”

Kaboul’s presence in the starting line-up yesterday has been interpreted as a sign that he will start Saturday’s Premier League opener at Leicester City in preference to John O’Shea.

Advocaat felt Sunderland’s performance against Hannover was their best of pre-season, but claims he is still to decide on his starting line-up for the King Power Stadium.

“Overall, I think we are getting better, but in terms of the team selection, you never know,” he said. “We will see what happens at Leicester.”