Andy Welsh reserved a special mention for Josh Maja following the striker's brace against Southampton on Sunday.
Sunderland under-23s found their cutting edge at Eppleton CW as they breezed past the Saints to inflict their first defeat on the south coast side this season.
Maja’s double in the first period saw him bag his first couple of goals in the Premier League 2 while George Honeyman kept up his fine form with his third goal in two games.
Speaking to safc.com Welsh hailed Maja’s efforts and called for the striker to keep focused and working hard.
“He pounced on the loose ball very quickly for his first and finished it very, very calmly,” he said. “It was terrific and it got us off to a good start.
“The second one was excellent, Josh Robson whipped in a great ball from the right-hand side and Maja put a smashing header away.
“Maja did really well, when we didn’t have the ball he worked tirelessly and got back in and kept a good shape.
“In this team when we don’t have the ball we work very hard and that’s something Maja has had to learn,” he continued.
“He is very good technically and difficult to play against when he has the ball at his feet in attacking area.
"What we have got to do now is develop that team ethic when we don’t have the ball and make sure he still contributes.”
