Bent eyeing 30-goal haul for Black Cats

Darren Bent is targeting a 30-goal season to fire ­Sunderland into Europe.

The Black Cats’ £10million record signing wants to better his 25-goal debut campaign, and reckons a place in the Europa League could be the reward if he does.

Bent, 26, will put Fabio Capello’s England World Cup snub behind him to cement his place as a fans favourite on Wearside.

Kevin Phillips was the last Sunderland striker to hit 30 in the top flight 10 years ago, and Bent would love to follow suit. He said: “It’s going to be difficult, but there’s no reason why I can’t.

“We’ve got players who create chances for fun. It’s up to me to take the chances.”