BELL PULLS STRINGS FOR BLACK CATS

CARDIFF CITY 0

SUNDERLAND 2

Aouchiche 12 pen, Bellingham 27

INTERIM manager Mike Dodds hailed the impact of Jobe Bellingham as a centre-forward after Sunderland beat Cardiff to claim their first victory since February 10.

Bellingham, the 18-year-old younger brother of England and Real Madrid star midfielder Jude, won an early Black Cats penalty before scoring his seventh goal of the season (above, celebrating) in an all-round mature display.

“We should be excited about his performance, something we can build on moving forward,” said Dodds, who revealed he has held conversations with Bellingham about his best position after tending to play him in midfield.

“He’s scored a goal and done well in the game. He’s a coach’s dream, if I said go and play in goal he would just crack on with it.

“What he has got, which many No.9s don’t have in this league, is unbelievable quality with his feet – a centre-midfielder playing up front.

“He gave us a platform to play off but you’ve got to remember he’s a secondyear scholar playing in the Championship. He’s 18 and I know he carries the weight of his brother, which I think sometimes is unfair.”

Adil Aouchiche’s penalty fired the visitors in front with Bellingham doubling the lead after 27 minutes.

Erol Bulut’s one-year contract expires at the end of the season and the Bluebirds manager conceded that uncertainty over his future could be impacting on performances.

Bulut said: “It can be (affecting players). I don’t have any problems.

“I respect it from the board if they are not coming with a new offer.

“I’m focusing on my job until the end of the season.”