Sunderland ran out 4-0 winners over Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Sunderland boss David Moyes has told the Chronicle that he got tough with Jack Rodwell before his side’s match against Crystal Palace.
Rodwell has been out Sunderland since 2014, but he has failed to make much of an impact at the Stadium of Light.
The central midfielder has been widely criticised by Black Cats fans, but he has started to show his talent in recent weeks.
And Moyes admits that the time for excuses has run out for the 25-year-old, who now needs to start fulfilling his early potential.
“Jack’s actually played well in recent weeks, and I’d said today ‘It’s about time you started to get a grip of games, you’re not a boy any more, get over it and start getting on. It’s about time you started to show that you’re a top player, and that you can be a top player. Grasp games’. Recently, he’s done that,” Moyes explained.
“I thought he had a good game. He’s very good, comfortable on the ball and we want him to take more responsibility, to help make us play. I thought he tried that today.
“I wasn’t losing patience with him, but I know Jack. It was about time. ‘You’re going to have to stand up’.”
Rodwell shone during his time on the pitch, as Sunderland picked up a remarkable victory over Palace in their most recent match.
The Black Cats ran out 4-0 winners at Selhurst Park, to strengthen their bid for survival.
Rodwell was taken off early, due to injury, but the hope is that he will not be sidelined for too long.
Sunderland are next in action this weekend, when they take on Southampton.
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