The Black Cats finished 15th last season but manager Roy Keane had brought in a number of high-profile signings - Diouf included - and the Senegal international said ambitions remain high within the squad.

And even Saturday's 2-1 defeat to third-placed Aston Villa has not dented their expectations. The Black Cats led through a Djibril Cisse strike at Villa Park before conceeding goals from Ashley Young and John Carew prior to half-time.

"We think we should be going to places like Villa and getting a good result, so we are disappointed," said Diouf.

"We can compete with these teams now, that's how we think. Can we finish in the top half? Of course we can."