PAT’S DODDS ON BET FOR PROMOTION

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CLIVE HETHERINGTON INTERIM boss Mike Dodds wants Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts to produce his Premier League class and underpin a promotion campaign next season.

Dodds (above) has been talking tough with certain players, and Roberts is one of them.

The ex-manchester City man was dropped after the 5-1 home hammering by Blackburn a week ago, but came off the bench against Bristol City as the Black Cats were denied victory by outstanding keeper Max O’leary.

Dodds expects more from Roberts despite recent spells out with calf and hamstring injuries.

“I didn’t think Pat was great against Blackburn,’’ he said. “We had an honest conversation and he showed real maturity with an admission that he was below par.

“Pat’s ability is Premier League. I probably need to have stronger boundaries with Pat to hopefully get the best out of him.

“When I took over, if I’d had a fully-fit Pat, I’m sure results would have looked different.

“But Pat has to knuckle down in pre-season. Pat should be a pillar for this club to take us back to the Premier League.’’

Like Roberts, Sunderland defender Aji Alese came on as a 66th-minute sub as he returned from another injury lay-off.

Kickabouts in the street with local kids helped to keep the West Ham academy graduate sane on the long road back to fitness.

He had been out since January after an abortive comeback from the thigh injury he sustained at the end of last season.

The Londoner caught up with Robins boss Liam Manning, his Hammers Under-21s coach.

Alese said: “My friends and family are back in London, but all my neighbours are Sunderland fans and take an interest in me. It helps me stay sane.’’

Robins defender Rob Dickie was out with a calf injury, bringing to an end a run of 37 matches as a starter in league and cup.

Manning said: “Finishing the season strongly is important.

“Rob is a big player and we want him back.’’