Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill hailed his younger players after seeing his side come from behind and claim victory in his first game in charge.
Black Cats manager delighted with impact of McClean and Wickham
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill hailed his younger players after seeing his side come from behind and claim victory in his first game in charge.
Late strikes from David Vaughan and Seb Larsson secured a dramatic win for the Black Cats after Simon Vukcevic's early header put the visitors in front.
One of the turning points was the second-half introduction of Irish winger James McClean, who came off the bench for his debut and made an impact.
"Just at the moment when probably we all need a lift, on comes James McClean and his first move was probably the first time the crowd have seen him, and he was so positive," said O'Neill.
"He played brilliantly in the reserves against Manchester United after a sluggish start in difficult conditions on Thursday evening.
"He wants to get at players - he is so positive and he is young, immature - and that was great, and the crowd took to it."
Single out
O'Neill was also quick to single out youngster Connor Wickham - who was a shock name in the starting line-up.
"I could go through the team. Connor Wickham, for instance, has done two days' training in the five weeks since he was injured," he continued.
"The training in the lead-up to the game wouldn't have been that strenuous, so he has done two days and he was great for us considering.
"He's 18 years of age and hopefully he's got a proper career in front of him, but he was as willing as the day is long.
"I thought he was out on his feet, to tell you the truth, but overall, it was a brilliant effort to play the length of time he did."
