Sunderland fans booed Adnan Januzaj off the pitch against Watford.
David Moyes has issued a defence of Adnan Januzaj in the Daily Mail, after the winger was jeered by Sunderland supporters at Watford.
Januzaj was booed off the pitch, when he was substituted during the second half at Vicarage Road.
Black Cats fans have grown frustrated with the 22-year-old’s lack of end product over the season to date.
And Moyes admits that Januzaj needs to step up and take his opportunity to get the critics off his back, as he hasn’t done enough this season.
“The best way to do it is to score goals and make goals and then it is much easier,” the Scottish boss said.
“I can think back to the Watford game (in December) and he helped make a goal there. I can think of two or three games. But it is not enough.
“He does need encouragement because he is a talent. But we are giving Adnan an opportunity and he has got to take it.
“I would be the first one to say that to him. He has got something that other players haven’t.”
Januzaj has been picked regularly for Sunderland this term, with Moyes showing great faith in the Manchester United loanee.
The Belgian has made 21 appearances for Sunderland in the Premier League, but he has created just three assists all season.
Sunderland will be relying on Januzaj to find some form between now and the end of the season, if they are to stay up.
The Black Cats are currently stuck at the bottom of the Premier League table – seven points adrift of safety.
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