HAYDEN SEES THE LIGHT IN STALEMATE

ISAAC HAYDEN could not resist a sly dig after finally making his Stadium of Light debut.

Newcastle loan midfielder Hayden and former Toon team-mate Jack Colback were singled out for dog’s abuse from the stands as QPR came away with a hard-earned point towards their Championship survival bid.

Hayden (above, tackling Jobe Bellingham) has racked-up more than 170 games for the Black Cats’ bitter rivals in the last eight years – but he was keen to point out why this was his first Wearside appearance as Sunderland snapped a six-game losing streak.

The 28-year-old said: “I’ve never played here before. They were always a bit far away from Newcastle in terms of leagues.

“The lads handled it well. I always felt we were in control of the game and dealt with everything that they had. We’re disappointed not to get the three points because we deserved to come away with a victory.”

And Rangers would have headed south with all three points but for an inspired display from Anthony Patterson as Sunderland’s England Under-21 goalkeeper underlined why the Black Cats will struggle to keep hold of him this summer with stunning saves to deny Lucas Andersen and Chris Willock.

Sunderland were booed off after failing to muster a shot on target, and stand-in skipper Dan Neil said: “Getting into the play-offs last season sparked a massive ambition from the fans and I can understand why. When you finish sixth, even us as players expect to go on and finish fifth or fourth or to compete for the top two.

“It hasn’t gone our way this season and we need to look at ourselves and take responsibility.

“We have to hit the ground running after the break.”