Sunderland Echo

Hard work with defence starting to pay off – Ross

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Jack Ross was always confident that the defensive work being put in on the training ground at the Academy of Light would pay off.

The Scot and his coaching staff have been consistent in their approach and the Black Cats are now reaping the rewards.

Sunderland only managed one clean sheet in their opening 12 League One games but have now recorded four on the spin.

Keeping it tight at the back has been a big factor behind the club’s five-game winning streak and it helps having the best goalkeeper in the league.

What does Ross put the change in fortunes regarding keeping clean sheets down to?

Ross said: “The work has been consistent and continuous, a little bit of that was making slight adjustment­s but also continuing to believe in the work we had been doing. “I never felt like we had been cut open often in games before. We defended really well throughout the game, it was last-ditch stuff at times and Jon [McLaughlin] making saves. “Naturally when you get a reward like a clean sheet then the belief begins to grow as well.”

The back four were not shielded by Lee Cattermole at Home Park, the experience­d midfielder missing with a foot injury that will likely keep him out of the FA Cup tie at Port Vale.

Dylan McGeouch, pictured, again stepped up to the plate, his best performanc­e yet and a growing influence in this Sunderland side.

Ross said: “I have been lucky this season, every time I have had to ask questions of the squad then every single one of them has taken their chance.

“Dylan’s performanc­es have been steadily improving, he showed what an influence he can be on the game.

“I am delighted as it helps heighten that competitio­n for places.

“Luke O’Nien too, every time he has come on to the pitch he is having an impact on the game and did so again by winning the penalty.”

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