Sunderland defender Reece James has been given his chance in the absence of Denver Hume and Bryan Oviedo.
Sunderland have made decent progress in League One this season and after 12 matches they sit in fifth, seven points off the top of the league.
The Black Cats appointed new manager Jack Ross over the summer and the Scot seems to have bedded in well, with his attacking style warming the hearts of the Wearside faithful.
And summer arrival Reece James has heaped praise on his manager in an interview with the Northern Echo, saying the Scot deserves credit for keeping momentum going on Wearside.
When speaking about Ross, former Wigan Athletic man James said: “Momentum keeps things going, so it’s about striking the right balance of keeping that, with also keeping people fresh.
“I think the manager has done that well. He’s brought in some young lads, and given them the opportunity to be around the first-team squad and first-team games.”
Ross has been the man to give James his chance at full-back with youngster Denver Hume and Costa Rican international Bryan Oviedo both absent.
And after the two games the 24-year-old has played, James is filling the void left by his teammates well and he’ll be keen to nail down a regular first-team spot for the rest of the season with more strong displays.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
