Ross will pick the right man for the right job

CATS BOSS’S STRATEGY FOR TEAM SELECTION

JACK Ross insists his decision to drop experienced international Bryan Oviedo in favour of homegrown youngster Denver Hume at the weekend was not done ‘on a whim.’

The Black Cats boss brought Costa Rican defender Oviedo into the starting line-up at Hume’s expense the previous week for the defeat at Burton Albion but reversed that decision for Saturday’s game against Rochdale.

And the move paid off, with 22-year-old Hume impressing and contributing an assist as Sunderland ended a run of three games without a win to record a 4-1 victory against Dale.

Ross says the change was a question of horses for courses as he switched back to a 3-5-2 system, rather than dropping Oviedo because of a dip in performance.

“Every decision you make regarding team selection, you don’t do it on a whim,” said Ross.

“There is usually some sort of consideration and corroboration behind it. Denver was very unfortunate not to play last week (against Burton) and keep his place in the team.

“When we decided to play this system, we then had to look and decide what we wanted from players in certain areas, and what we also needed as a team.

“We talked about physicality and aggression. I don’t think Bryan played poorly (in the last game), I just thought this was a game that would be better suited to Denver. Every time Denver has played this season, he’s been good. I don’t think anybody can argue with that.

“It’s just up to him to keep taking the opportunities, and I thought he did that against Rochdale.” Oviedo was understandably disappointed to be left out but Ross says he reacted in the right manner when he made a brief cameo towards the end of the game.

He said: “Bryan’s reaction was disappointment but, in terms of professionalism, he was fine and I think you saw that when he came on to the pitch.

“I stress it all the time, it’s a group which brings you success, it’s never just ten or 11 players.

“We are going to need that group throughout the course of the season, and fortunately for me, every one of them has responded in the correct way so far.”

Ross also made a second defensive change, handing summer signing Tom Flanagan his first league start at the expense of Adam Matthews.

Matthews is capable of playing as the third centre-back in the back three but the versatile Flanagan is more comfortable in that position.

Ross said: “He (Flanagan) is somebody who was unfortunate to pick up the injury so late in pre-season.

“I had a chat with Adam about making the decision and he understood it.

“Again, Adam is somebody who should be in my reckoning every week with the pedigree he has and the quality he has.”