Last Updated: Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:10
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has insisted the arrival of Benjani does not spell the beginning of the end for Kenwyne Jones on Wearside.
Benjani sealed a late loan move to the Stadium of Light and the striker's arrival has led some to question whether Jones still has a future with Sunderland.
Jones was linked with a switch to Liverpool but Bruce claims Benjani's arrival is to add competition for places in his squad rather than to replace Jones.
He said: "You can seen a lot of similarities between the style of Kenwyne and Benjani.
"They are both very tall, very powerfully-built front men who can cause defenders real problems on their day. They are both capable of making and creating goals too.
"But I don't want Benjani to replace Kenwyne, I need him to give us another option because we have been a bit light in the striking department.
"Darren Bent has got us a stack load of goals this season, but I think that working off a big man is something he thrives upon, and Kenwyne has been a big help to him in that direction.
"So, getting Benjani in means that we still have the option of pairing a big man with Darren if Kenwyne gets suspended or injured.
"It's reassuring for a manager to have competition for places up front and getting Benjani to the club gives us another body to consider, another option.
"He's a player I have admired for a long time and I think he's going to be an excellent addition to the squad."
Benjani is on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season, with reports suggesting the move could become permanent in the summer as it appears Benjani is surplus to requirements at Eastlands.