Danny Murphy warns Fulham team-mates to be wary of in-form Sunderland striker Darren Bent

Danny Murphy believes Darren Bent is the reason Sunderland are living up to the hype following Steve Bruce's summer spending spree.

The Black Cats boss has managed to beef up his midfield with the acquisitions of Lee Cattermole and Lorik Cana and has stiffened up the back four by landing Michael Turner from Hull.

But it is the signing of Bent that has seen Sunderland shoot up to eighth in the table, just two points behind heavy-hitters Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

Bent's nine-goal haul this season has included decisive strikes against Arsenal and Liverpool as well as goals against Chelsea and Manchester United.

Murphy, whose Fulham side host Bruce's men on Sunday, said: "I think Darren Bent is a big factor in where Sunderland are in the Premier League.

"I played with Darren at Charlton and I am a big fan of his because one thing he always does in a game is get goals. You might not see him for 80 minutes in a game but he will keep running the channels, he will keep working hard to get his chances and he will put one away.

"He scores all kinds of goals, left foot, right foot and he can leap - he is good in the air - so the reason Sunderland are where they are is a lot to do with him.

"But also because Steve Bruce has brought in a few other players and they play with that Steve Bruce tenacity like they did at Wigan and Birmingham. They've got that great work ethic added with that bit of quality.

"For example, I played with Andy Reid at Tottenham and I think he has been terrific for Sunderland this season. Then you add into the mix the tigerishness of Cattermole and players like that and you see it gives them a nice blend.

"So I'm not surprised by how well they have done, looking at the squad they have. I think they've got a good blend of players and that its going to be a tough game."

Fulham go into the match on the back of just one win in their last four League games. However Thursday night's victory in the Europa League against CSKA Moscow has given the side a confidence boost going into tomorrow's contest against a Black Cats side bidding to bounce back from defeat to Wigan last week.

Murphy added: "Unfortuntalely for us when a team loses the week before you play them they'll have had a rocket in training so I'm sure they will be well up for it.

"But I expect a difficult game because they've got threats all over the pitch. I mean, aside from Darren they've got Kenwyne Jones who scored the winner against us last year.

"So they are a good side but then they should be as they have spent a lot of money. They've spent a fortune. If you can't have a good side after spending that money you need to ask questions.

"Now we need the right attitude against them as well as giving them resperct. We went to Wolves with the wrong attitude earlier in the season and got turned over. But we have also beaten Liverpool and given Arsenal a run for their money.

"So you never know in the Premier League. There is no game when you should do this or you should do that. Of course our home form has been good and we are confident against anyone. But the manager will prepare us well because we know - well I know - that if you switch off once against Darren he will kill you."