SUPERSUB? I REALLY WANT TO BE JOE 90

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Championship

BY HECTOR NUNNS

JOE ROTHWELL may not like his supersub tag but it will prove hard to shake off now.

The 29-year-old midfielder, on loan from Bournemouth, kept Southampton’s automatic promotion hopes alive by coming off the bench and scoring two decisive late goals.

It was the second time in a month Rothwell had turned a game at St Mary’s as a replacement, having also bagged a brace against Huddersfield.

Russell Martin’s men signed off for 20 days without a match with what the manager called a “massive” victory and three points – but will now be playing catch-up against the top three.

Last week’s home game against Preston was called off due to a warehouse fire next to the stadium. And this Friday’s scheduled match against stuttering league leaders

Leicester will not take place due to the Foxes’ FA Cup involvement.

After next weekend’s games Leeds and Ipswich could be further clear. Rothwell (top) said: “I am not renowned for getting goals but I have really enjoyed my time here. I got two off the bench against Huddersfield as well. I don’t really want to make a name for myself as a supersub but if I can come on and help the team, that is all that matters.

“It was massive to get that win and three points ahead of 20 days without a league game. Being points and a couple of games behind the others is hard. I’d rather have the games done instead of playing catch-up.”

Stuart Armstrong gave Saints the lead, and Adam Armstrong doubled it with a penalty – his 18th goal of the season – after Chris Rigg fouled Ryan Manning.

Sunderland, who have now lost six games in a row, rallied to level through strikes from Romaine Mundle and Jobe Bellingham. But then Rothwell had the final say.

Former Tottenham youngster Mundle, 20, said: “It was bittersweet moment getting my first goal because it’s more about the team than myself. We are a group that will stick together.”