Partnership key to Sunderland’s newfound form

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Sunderland’s return to winningwayshascoincided with settled partnerships in key areas, with Jack Ross hailing Grant Leadbitter’s influence.

Ross made just one change for the trip to the Memorial Stadium, Duncan Watmore replacing the injured Chris Maguire.

Leadbitter again partnered Lee Cattermole, with Sunderland controlling the game, while Jimmy Dunne and Tom Flanagan impressed, coping well against Rovers’ direct style of play.

And Ross believes a consistency in selection has been a factor for the Black Cats but admits that can prove difficult with a demanding schedule.

Ross said: “You always want consistency of selection to a degree, though it is more difficult in the Championship and League One, League Two due to the amount of games and fatigue factor that comes in.

“A lot of times people aren’t aware of that, it is behind the scenes stuff, but you would want a general consistency and for people to build relationships.

“There is going to be times when we are going to have to mix it up again depending on what we are facing and how players are feeling.

“Certainly, all those little units over the park against Bristol Rovers were good.”

Leadbitter joined Sunderland in the January window from neighbours Middlesbrough.

And he has proved a huge success, with five assists and a growing influence on the side.

“His quality was never going to be in question, I liked Grant from the very first time I spoke to him,” said Ross.

“I had a few conversations with him and I think he enjoys being back here and the way we work, he likes the way we work, and he is desperate to be successful for the club.

“There are others here like that, too, and it just spreads and it becomes the culture of your club and the fabric of your club.

“It was there already but he has helped strengthen that again.”