Diouf is set to make his debut for Roy Keane's side against former employers Liverpool tomorrow with high hopes for the forthcoming Barclays Premier League campaign.

The Senegal international played in the UEFA Cup with Bolton, his last club, and believes Sunderland are destined to follow.

He said: "The Sunderland fans dream about playing in Europe and we should aim to get there. Why not?

"I think we have a team to finish in the top eight.

"The lads did a good job last year and we have some quality new signings, I really think we can do something, we just need to believe in ourselves.

"This can be a really big club. We have a big game on Saturday, a fantastic game and we can show people what we're about and where we want to go."

Diouf, one of four big-name signings at the Stadium of Light this summer, has no regrets about joining Keane's side.

He added: "I want to be a legend here - I feel good and I'm happy to wake up and come to training here at Sunderland."

The 27-year-old is determined to get off to a flying start against his old club Liverpool.

Diouf started his career in England with the Reds and he is aiming to get one over on his former team-mates from Merseyside.

He added: "Why not score on Saturday? I would love to do it but if I get an assist for a team-mate and we win, that is just as good.

"I play for the team and work hard for them.

"I have nothing to prove. People know El-Hadji Diouf is a good player, that's it.

"The Liverpool defender who is up against me, he will know I have the magic to score or give an assist.

"People say it is a tough start but for me it's just one game in the Premier League season.

"It's the same if I play Liverpool, Newcastle or Bolton - I play to win."