FIRST McGeady’s penalty saves Ross’s skin

JACK ROSS insists he welcomes criticism from supporters after the Black Cats left it late to snatch a point at bottom-ofthe-table Bolton.

The Scot was jeered with Sunderland trailing to Jack Hobbs’ 50thminute goal, after substituting Chris Maguire with Charlie Wyke.

And some of the 4,000 strong We a r side following also chanted ‘Sacked in the morning’ in the direction of their manager.

However, Aiden McGeady, who missed a midweek penalty against Rotherham, converted a 92ndminute spot-kick to ease the pressure on Ross.

“It’s football, it’s no problem,” said Ross.

“I am a 43- year- old man, I have been through a lot in life to earn the right to work and deal with things in family life.

“Trust me, it’s not a flippant remark because like every human being, criticism is not nice for any person, irrespective of what walk of life they are in.

“But the strength of character to deal with it is a different thing. Any criticism give it to me. That’s my job.”

On the substitution, Ross countered: “You make decisions on how you think players are performing at the time. We then find an equaliser. Whether that justifies it I don’t know.”

He also praised McGeady’s character, stepping up to the plate when Yoan Zouma handled in the area to give the visitors a lifeline. “We spoke during the week who would have the responsibility and he wanted to take the next one,” Ross added.

“I think had he missed it would have become a different conversation.”

Wanderers are still waiting for their first win of the season. Manager Keith Hill said: “It is great to see the players are showing so much effort.”