Boss: Mac has caught the eye for Bees trip

Callum McManaman has caught the eye of manager Simon Grayson on the training ground ahead of Sunderland’s crunch game at Brentford on Saturday.

Grayson came in for criticism after leaving deadline day signings McManaman (pictured) and Jonny Williams on the bench for last week’s 1-1 draw with QPR.

The pair were both lacking match fitness when they first arrived on Wearside due to a lack of football and have been working hard at the Academy of Light.

But both came on as secondhalf subs against QPR, with Williams catching the eye.

They are both contenders to start at Brentford and Grayson admits he has been impressed by winger McManaman.

“The international break came at a good time for Callum,” said Grayson.

“He is looking really fit and strong in training and he is certainly in my plans – as he has been from day one – but we have now seen him, on a daily basis, improve his fitness levels. He has all the skill that has made him the player that he is.

“Jonny is the same – he kept getting a few niggles which ruled him out of a couple of games.

“He looked very bright on Saturday against QPR.

“All these players and options available will certainly help us get results.”

Sunderland are second-bottom heading into Saturday’s game against a Bees side sitting 18th in the Championship,four points clear of the Black Cats.

The hosts will look to dominate possession, but Grayson says his Sunderland side will be ready for Dean Smith’s men as they go in search of only their second league win of the season.

Grayson added: “Brentford is a tough place to go – they will try and dominate the ball.

“Dean Smith has his players playing a certain way.

“We will do whatever is required to get that result.

“We know we are not anywhere near where we want to be at this moment in time but let’s be hopeful that in a couple more weeks we are talking about more positive results.”