Luke O'Nien is revelling in his newfound freedom as an attacking midfielder after being given the chance to shine in an advanced role.
The versatile 24-year-old joined Sunderland from Wycombe Wanderers as a midfielder but has played the majority of his 64 appearances for the club at right-back, initially as a stopgap but later on his own merits.
But in the last two games Jack Ross has pushed him forward into a number ten role, playing off frontman Charlie Wyke , and his energy and link-up play around the box has helped the Black Cats to victories against Premier League Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup, and then against MK Dons in the league - with O'Nien scoring his first goal of the season against the Dons.
Asked whether he is enjoying playing the new role, O'Nien said: "Very much so.
"I've got great people around me and the staff are helping me develop in a number of positions.
"I'm happy to play anywhere but I'm enjoying playing attacking midfield.
"And it was about time I scored! I was getting some stick from some of the staff because I've been finishing well in training and I've finally been able to do it on the pitch.
"But the staff have been brilliant with me.
"They've helped me develop since the day I got here.
"Playing different positions, you've got to adjust your thinking but when I've got the quality players around me like I have, it makes things a lot easier.
"I'm happy to play anywhere and I'm enjoying it.
"And whether I'm playing right back or further up, I expect the gaffer to judge me as an out and out player in that position.
"I'm very much enjoying it and hopefully it can continue."
Sunderland's back-to-back wins against the Blades and the Dons provided the perfect response after Ross and his players had come under fire following a 1-1 draw against basement side Bolton Wanderers the previous weekend.
O'Nien said: "It's been a great week.
"Two wins, one against a Premier League team.
"We've come across two very different teams, so you have to approach them differently with different tactics.
"I think we executed the gameplans well back to front, credit to the gaffer, he's got everything right.
"Training was great and then we went out and performed.
"We're in a good spot."
