McAllister hails fringe players and formation change in victory

A successful change of formation and some impressive performances have given Lee Johnson a number of selection dilemmas for the trip to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

Sunderland booked their place in the last eight of the Papa John's Trophy with a 2-0 win over Port Vale, with Aiden O'Brien in particular leading the line impressively.

Assistant Head Coach

Jamie McAllister hailed a 'very good performance' from the Black Cats, and said he and Johnson are beginning to see their vision for the side slowly take shape. "I definitely can," he said. "We changed the shape and went with almost a 4-2-2-2, and we caused them problems.

"I thought they struggled to cope with the two strikers and the two in behind, and the two sixes dominated the midfield. The full-backs got high and wide to give us that width and pin their wingers back.

"We controlled possession and the middle of the pitch," he added.

"It was just that little bit of end product but that will come, if we keep creating chances it will come.

"It should have been four or five tonight but it's a very good performance and we're in the hat for the next round. We'll take that."

O'Brien gave his side the lead early in the game, and it was his superb through ball for substitute Jack Diamond that forced the late penalty from which Aiden McGeady made sure of the result.

Elliot Embleton also impressed on his return to the starting XI, after being hailed by Johnson for his recent performances in training.

McAllister believes the head coach will have some difficult decisions to weigh up in the days ahead.

“Aiden was very good at linking the play, with runs in behind, was a constant threat up top," McAllister said.

"Embo and Chrissy were good behind in feeding him, along wit Gooch up there playing well.

"We played forward really well, it was just that execution to get that second goal, but really it was a great performance and something to build on.

“It’s about getting the momentum, that winning feeling, winning games.

"There’s no better feeling than winning games and we have to continue on this track now.”