Six points from three games and new signings that have made an immediate impact - could this be the season that Sunderland realize their potential and not just break into the top ten but make an assault on European qualification?

Maybe I'm being far too optimistic - it is only three games after all. Sunderland fans generally fall into the 'glass half empty' category when it comes to following their club after years of being starved of success, myself included.

But, with Steve Bruce strengthening throughout the squad, especially in central midfield, and a league containing a dozen teams that would quite happily accept still being in the Premier League at the end of season, there's no reason why Sunderland can't challenge for Europe.

The biggest impact on the team has occurred in central midfield. The signings of Lorik Cana and Lee Cattermole from l'Ompique de Marseilles and Wigan Athletic respectively, have added much needed steel to a midfield that was often muscled last season.

The pair's combative approach has earned them both instant cult status amongst the fans and their tenacity in the tackle has been matched by their passing and composure on the ball. Their introduction has also given our flair players the opportunity to concentrate on creating chances rather than making tackles.

Keiron Richardson and Steed Malbranque have the ability to split defences but all too often last season they were expected to track back and make tackles, something that isn't one of their strengths - Richardson's 11 yellow cards, mostly for unnecessary challenges, shows this to be case. Cana and Cattermole could make a huge difference in these two players' seasons.

In Cana, Sunderland have Albania's national captain. Alongside him, other new signings include Paulo da Silva and John Mensah, both captains of their national sides. Their leadership qualities could make a huge difference on the pitch.

Though Mensah's deal isn't yet finalized, we should see da Silva make his Sunderland debut against Norwich City in the Carling Cup, a competition that we should aim to win and put a strong team out in every round.

Darren Bent has also made an immediate impact - two goals in his first two games. Despite the transfer taking an age to complete it seems that it was worthwhile and his early form suggests that he could score the goals to get Sunderland into the top ten, possibly Europe, and into England's World Cup squad.

Last season, Djibril Cisse couldn't strike up a partnership with Kenwyne Jones no matter how many chances the pair were given. So far, the Bent/Jones partnership seems to be working with four goals in three games from the duo. Their understudy, new signing Frazier Campbell, also seems to have settled quickly.

After the Blackburn Rovers victory at the weekend, Bruce will have a dilemma as to who to pick between the posts. Marton Fulop's inability to deal with crosses and general poor performance could result in Craig Gordon being recalled to the first team for the trip to Stoke City at the weekend. He'll no doubt be given the opportunity to stake his claim for a Premier League return in the Carling Cup tie against Norwich City.

Although the squad is strong, with competition for places, the standard of clubs in the Premier League must be the weakest for some time and gives Sunderland the ideal opportunity to establish themselves in the top flight and challenge for the European places.

The three clubs promoted, Burnley, Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, should all struggle this season, even though they've picked up early points in their battle for survival.

Hull City's form from last season seems to have continued into this one and Portsmouth's financial problems means they'll surely struggle after selling most of their top players.

Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City and Wigan Athletic will all be content to survive in the top flight.

Sunderland should be aiming higher than all of the teams mentioned and challenging the likes of West Ham, Fulham, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur for a place in the top seven or eight and a place in Europe.

I'd consider the season a success if Sunderland finished in the top ten but I'll be renewing my passport just in case.