Chris Coleman impressed by Sunderland’s Josh Maja; defends Simon Grayson

Follow us on Google Discover

Sunderland striker Josh Maja scored the winner as Chris Coleman’s side beat Fulham yesterday.

Chris Coleman has told the Northern Echo that he has been very impressed by Josh Maja since arriving at the Stadium of Light.

Maja came off the substitutes’ bench to score Sunderland’s winner in a 1-0 victory over Fulham yesterday.

Maja didn’t feature under Simon Grayson during his time in charge on Wearside.

However, Coleman is convinced his predecessor would have utilised the youngster if he had the chance.

“I was impressed with Josh, he has come back from injury. I am sure Simon Grayson would have used him but he has been injured,” Coleman said. “He has been coming back. He had 90 minutes for the Under-23s and he has come back with us.”

Sunderland’s victory over Fulham ended a 21-match winless run in front of their own supporters.

The Black Cats have now picked up seven points from Coleman’s first five matches in charge, with optimism finally starting to come back to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland are finally out of the relegation zone, which should provide a major boost for Coleman’s side.

The Black Cats are next in action at the weekend, when they take on fellow strugglers Birmingham City.