Ross wants more from middle man
DYLAN McGeouch has “more to give” to Sunderland’s attacking play this season, according to manager Jack Ross.
The Scotland international was the Black Cats’ best player in pre-season but has disappointed since his competitive campaign belatedly began.
McGeouch injured his calf playing against Middlesbrough in the final warm-up game, delaying his League One debut until September.
At times he has screened the defence well without showing the playmaking qualities he demonstrated in the friendlies.
Ross said: “Dylan has had a little bit of a stop-start season, to a degree.
“We spoke a little bit about Reece (James) still having a bit more to give, I think Dylan would fall into that category.
“I know him really because of how often I watched him in Scotland and we are still trying to encourage him to affect the game more going forward because he has the ability to do so.
“It is just about the encouragement to get him to play forward as much as he can.
“I cannot criticise him because when he has been asked to do a job in games he has done fine.”
McGeouch was highly soughtafter having run his Hibernian contract down in the summer but the return to fitness of Lee Cattermole could cost him his place in the line-up at home to Bristol Rovers this afternoon.
Central midfield is the most competitive department of the Black Cats’ squad.
They have played their best football under Ross away from home, revelling in the intense games their passionate and huge away support help to create.
Where they struggle more is in the games where the atmosphere is flatter and the emphasis is on them to force the pace.
At times like that they do not need McGeouch just sitting deep as a midfield bodyguard but want him to get on the ball and help break down packed defences.