Sunderland 3 Norwich 0:HAD NICKLAS Bendtner not been absent with a facial injury, Fraizer Campbell would almost certainly have been left struggling to keep warm on the bench last night. As it was, Martin O'Neill thought long and hard before offering the striker his first start since August 2010, but Sunderland's manager must be delighted he selected him ahead of Connor Wickham.

Watching Campbell score a brilliant volleyed opening goal, create a second and generally promote attacking havoc, it was hard to believe he spent so long on the sidelines recovering from serious knee problems before returning as a scoring substitute against Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Campbell tested John Ruddy with an early header, pushed away to safety by Norwich’s goalkeeper. But Ruddy had no hope of diverting Campbell’s next spectacular effort. Once again receiving possession from James McClean, the returning striker extended his right foot to tame the capriciously looping delivery. Next he allowed the ball to bounce before directing a perfect dipping shot into the corner from just outside the area.

Shortly afterwards Campbell showed he can create as well as score. After exchanging passes with Stephane Sessegnon during a teasing build-up, he floated in a beautifully-weighted cross. Outjumping his marker, the diminutive Sessegnon made a firm connection to steer a header past Ruddy from six yards.

Bar making a solitary early save from Grant Holt after Steve Morison had bisected the home defence, Norwich had rarely threatened.

Poor Ruddy found himself fishing the ball out of the net again 10 minutes into the second half. This time a clever Sunderland attack concluded with Phil Bardsley’s cross-shot being deflected beyond the blameless keeper by Daniel Ayala.