Sunderland striker Josh Maja has started the season in fine form, scoring twice in his first two games.
Maja has been used as Sunderland’s leading striker so far this campaign, and scored two goals in his first two appearances.
The youngster has looked at home leading the line for the Black Cats, but Ross admits there were big discussions about handing the prospect the role.
Maja can also play in a deeper position, but Ross feels that he will only improve as he becomes more accustomed to playing as a lone forward.
“We speak long and hard about it as a staff and I always believed he could do that [start as striker], it was just encouraging him to do it and making him believe he would get his rewards,” Ross said. “There’s an unselfish part of that as well. You do it and you create space for others
“He’s only a young man but he’s a really good type as well. He’s a lovely lad and he’s willing to learn. He engages with us a lot as a staff. I’m pleased for him that he got his rewards. Probably the most encouraging thing for me is that he’s now somebody who’s going to be an asset to me over the course of the whole season.”
Maja could have added competition for his place in Sunderland’s starting line-up in the coming weeks, as Ross is expected to bring in another striker in the near future.
Maja’s latest goal didn’t provide Sunderland with the three points, as they couldn’t hold on against Luton Town.
The Black Cats did have the lead, but Luton scored in the second half to ensure that the match finished as a draw.
Sunderland are next in action on Thursday evening, when they take on Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.
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