Keeping options open is key for Coleman

CHRIS Coleman has praised Jason Steele’s attitude and warned Robbin Ruiter he is not guaranteed a place in his Sunderland team.

After an unconvincing start to the campaign from both men which prompted former boss Simon Grayson to swap and change his shotstoppers, Ruiter has seemingly established himself as number one starting all five of Coleman’s games in charge of the Black Cats as well as the three before that too.

The Dutchman has looked a lot more assured in recent weeks, helping Sunderland keep their first three clean sheets of the season. Sport writer

However. manager Coleman says Ruiter must work hard to keep his place, with Steele pushing hard to win it back.

He said: “He has done well has Robbin.

“However, Steeley has done well too in training, I have been watching him as well.

“His attitude has been first-class, brilliant.

“He has not moaned or complained once, he has just worked hard every day and he is ready.

“Robbin knows there are no automatic choices here at Sunderland.

“Every position is up for grabs. Robbin knows that. Steeley is a good boy, I like his character and he has worked his socks off.

“That is what you want to see from the players who are not involved.”

Despite losing his place, Steele was visibly delighted on the touchline at the Stadium of Light on Saturday as he congratulated Josh Maja as he left the pitch.

The youngster had just scored the winning goal against Fulham which ended a 364-day wait for a home win.

Steele will be expected to be back on the bench on Saturday, however, when the Black Cats host bottom club Birmingham City.

JOSH MAJA has hailed the impact of Chris Coleman at Sunderland and says he was delighted to repay the faith shown in him with a goal against Fulham.

Coleman made a bold move with the scoreline goalless against Fulham to replace senior strikers Lewis Grabban and James Vaughan with teenagers Maja and Joel Asoro.

It paid off, Maja netting the only goal as the Black Cats ended a 364day wait for a home win.

The three points also moved them out of the Championship relegation zone, the club’s mini revival under Coleman continued.

On the new manager’s impact, new Wearside hero Maja said: “It does not always happen, but Chris believes in us and gives us the opportunities.

“He has more belief in each one of the players.

“He has helped us loads on and off the pitch especially to give us that confidence and hopefully we can repay that in the future.”