Chris Coleman praises Sunderland midfielder Lynden Gooch

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Sunderland’s Lynden Gooch has started in Chris Coleman’s side’s last two matches.

Chris Coleman has told the Sunderland Echo that taking Lynden Gooch out of Sunderland’s starting line-up has helped him regain his form.

Gooch was removed from Sunderland’s team for nine consecutive league matches prior to playing against Derby County.

The American managed to provide an assist in Sunderland’s 4-1 win at Pride Park, and he impressed again in Coleman’s side’s latest outing.

Although Sunderland lost 3-1 to Sheffield Wednesday, Gooch earned a lot of praise for his display.

And Coleman said: “I had a chat with him about a month ago because I thought there were certain things he needed to work on and he’s gone away and worked on them, fair play to him.

“He’s played very well in the U23s and he’s got his chance. Friday night he did well and on Monday he ran himself into the ground.

“All our players have had chances but it’s consistency we’ve struggled with. He’s not losing as much possession, he’s getting us up the pitch. He did very well.”

Gooch has surely done enough to keep his place in Sunderland’s team for the run-in now, as Coleman’s side look to pull off a miraculous escape.

There were hopes that the Black Cats’ win over Derby would inspire them out of trouble, but their defeat to Wednesday has extinguished any optimism again.

Sunderland are currently in 23rd place in the Championship table, five points away from safety.