ADNAN JANUZAJ is confident his blossoming relationship with Jermain Defoe will help fire Sunderland to safety in the final three-and-a-half months of the season.

Januzaj set up both of Defoe’s goals last weekend as the striker’s brace helped the Black Cats record a superb 4-0 win over relegation rivals Crystal Palace.

The Manchester United loanee has struggled to hit top form since moving on loan from Old Trafford last summer, but remains a valuable attacking asset if he can get close to the standards he displayed at the start of his career.

His link-up with Defoe could be especially crucial to Sunderland’s survival hopes, with the Black Cats’ leading goalscorer having lacked a reliable supply line for much of the campaign.

That changed last weekend, and with Januzaj expected to shake off a minor knock to take his place in the team that will face Southampton tomorrow, David Moyes will be hoping for more of the same.

“I really like playing with him (Defoe), even though he always asks for the ball,” said Januzaj. “He’s an unbelievable striker, and you can see that with his goals on Saturday because they weren’t easy chances. He’s someone I can learn a lot from.

“In the last few games, we’ve linked really well, and I think we have a good relationship with each other. We’re enjoying playing together, and hopefully he can score many more goals.”

As well as Januzaj and Defoe hitting top form, Sunderland’s performance at Selhurst Park also owed much to the impact of recent signings Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson.

Oviedo shored up the left-hand side of the Black Cats’ back four with a committed and disciplined display, while Gibson slotted in seamlessly when he came off the bench in the second half.

With Joleon Lescott also having arrived as a free agent, Sunderland’s January business could yet prove crucial, even though Moyes was forced to operate with one hand tied behind his back because of owner Ellis Short’s financial constraints.

“It’s nice to have them (the new signings) here, and we saw on Saturday how good they are,” said Januzaj. “Bryan had a very good game from start to finish, and Gibbo kept the ball really well after he came off the bench. They’re very good signings, and Joleon was also very strong at the back when we needed it.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland defender Michael Ledger is close to sealing a loan move to Norwegian side FC Viking.

The defender, who is due to become a free agent at the end of the season, has been given permission to travel to Stavanger for a trial, and has been impressed with what he has seen so far.

“I heard about the interest a week ago, and was never in any doubt about what I wanted,” said Ledger, who featured in all four of Sunderland’s Checkatrade Trophy games this season. “Here, I have the chance to play first-team football.

“I think a loan can be a very good idea. The agreement with Sunderland runs out this summer. Sunderland is my club, but I’m keeping all options open. You never know in football, and it’s nice to have choices.”