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The 19-year-old scored twice to take his tally to seven League One goals for the season and he was also named EFL Young Player of the Month last week.
Sunderland manager Ross was effusive in his praise, saying: “There were bits of his early performance that highlighted some things he can still get better at, but I have spoken about his willingness to learn and I sat with him on Friday to look at bits of his game that he can add to.
“There are parts I can’t help get any better because they are so very good – his ability to finish, for example. His first, the header, was different to any goal he has scored this season. His second, he shifted the ball in a tight area.”
Ross (right) was also pleased with his sides determination. “We were a lot more physically resilient than last week in particular, and that was pleasing.”
Sunderland struck three times in eight first-half minutes to seize control. Lynden Gooch slotted home from the spot either side of goals from Maja. The Black Cats extended their advantage when Gooch struck again after 66 minutes, before Matt Done grabbed Rochdale’s consolation five minutes later. Dale manager Keith Hill says his side lack Sunderland’s mental edge. “It’s a lack of mental consistency, that’s the big difference. “It’s the mental ability of someone like (Lee) Cattermole. “It’s obvious from my point of view. You can see why he played in the Premier League.”
Accrington Stanley 2 AFC Wimbledon 1 Scunthorpe 1 Shrewsbury 0 Charlton 2 Plymouth 1