Sunderland were beaten 1-0 by Bolton Wanderers last night.
Chris Coleman has told the Sunderland Echo that Paddy McNair was a positive for his side last night.
McNair was brought back into Sunderland’s team from the start yesterday, after a lengthy time out injured.
Although the Northern Irish international was unable to help Sunderland back to winning ways, he did enough to impress.
And Coleman said: “It will do him the world of good. He has picked up a few injuries since coming back [from a long-term knee injury], we have held him back and played him in the U23s.
“He has had two or three games, which has given him some confidence, that is why he lasted the 90. He did a good job.”
McNair is likely to keep his place in Sunderland’s first team for the coming weeks, as Coleman’s side have been desperately short of midfield quality this season.
The former Manchester United man will be under pressure to continue to improve, as Sunderland really need a talisman.
Sunderland’s defeat to Bolton has seen them slip right to the bottom of the Championship table, with their survival chances becoming slimmer and slimmer.
Sunderland are now four points adrift of safety, and have not won in five matches.
The Black Cats are next in action when they take on Middlesbrough at the weekend.
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