Sunderland will be promoted today if they beat Leicester and rivals Ipswitch fail to win at Leeds. Cheif Sports Writer Scott Wilson talks to one Black Cat who already holds a special place in the history of the Premiership.

IF you're compiling a list of Premiership goalscorers, the name of Sunderland striker Brian Deane should really come at the top.

He hasn't scored the most goals in the top-flight - Alan Shearer holds that record - or even bagged the best - probably a toss-up between Tony Yeboah's venomous volley or David Beckham's long-range lob.

But, while those achievements are transitory and can be wiped out at any time, Deane's name will never be erased from the record books because, on August 15, 1992, he did something no-one else can emulate.

After five minutes of his side's home game with Manchester United, the Sheffield United striker made history by becoming the first player to score in the Premiership.

This weekend, more than 12 years on, the 37-year-old is hoping to fire Sunderland back into football's promised land.

"That goal is part of history," said Deane, who has made two substitute appearances for the Black Cats since signing a short-term contract three weeks ago.

"It's something that I'll be known for, for the rest of my life. Nobody can ever take that away from me.

"But I'm not ready to start looking back on the past just yet. I have great belief in myself. People try to put age on you, but I still feel as though I've got a lot to offer.

"All I'm interested in right now is helping get Sunderland into the Premiership. Looking back at history can wait."

With Deane, there is plenty of history to consider. The veteran frontman has played for nine different clubs, including Middlesbrough, Benfica and this afternoon's opponents, Leicester, and commanded combined transfer fees of more than £8.5m.

He started this season at Leeds - ironic given the pivotal role the Elland Road outfit could play today - and scored seven goals in 33 games for his hometown club, including one against Sunderland during Boxing Day's barnstormer at the Stadium of Light.

Mick McCarthy had tried to sign him last summer so, when Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell announced he was surplus to requirements last month, the Black Cats boss did not hesitate to act.

With Kevin Kyle ruled out until next season, McCarthy saw a need for an old-fashioned forward able to offer an old-fashioned threat when things were becoming fraught for his side.

That threat was evident last weekend when, with Sunderland trailing to promotion rivals Ipswich, Deane came off the bench to inspire the fightback that earned his side a priceless point.

"I've brought my experience and another dimension to the squad," said Deane. "I spoke to Mick before I came here and that's what he said he'd like me to try to do. He said he wanted different striking options at the club.

"I'd played against the rest of the lads this season, so I think they knew I could bring something to the squad as well. Settling in wasn't a problem.

"Looking back, it would have been fantastic if I could have been here all season. But that's life. Things turn out as they do for a reason and I'm just glad I got here eventually."

Now that he has made it to Wearside, Deane is hoping to achieve the fourth promotion of his much-travelled career.

He helped Sheffield United to back-to-back promotions in the late 1980s, before playing with Leicester as they secured top-flight status two seasons ago.

All three of those successes were achieved through adversity - the Blades were given no chance before either season began, while Leicester were in administration for most of their promotion campaign -and the striker sees definite similarities to Sunderland's current situation.

"At Leicester, we had a fantastic team spirit and togetherness because of the situation we were in," said Deane.

"When I was at Sheffield United and we got promoted, we had an innocence that bonded us together. But we also had Harry (Bassett) and he knew how to rub off on us.

"It's very similar here. The boys have a fantastic togetherness and you've also got a manager who knows what he wants. He's obviously got a formula and he's got a lot of experience.

"Sunderland feels like a club that are ready for the Premiership. If you look at the clubs that are in this division, then Sunderland are probably set up better than anyone.

"The facilities are as good as I've seen and I've been to some big clubs and seen some good places.

"That's a very important point when it comes to attracting players and keeping them happy."

Whether Deane will be given another crack at the Premiership, though, is open to debate.

McCarthy clearly values his latest signing's experience but, while Deane remains hopeful of another tilt at the top-flight, he is aware of the reality of his position.

"My situation here is short term," he said. "It's until the end of the season and I'm not really looking beyond that.

"I'm looking to come here to do a job. While I'm here, I'll always give 100 per cent. Beyond that, we'll have to wait and see.