Sunderland boss reveals why he subbed Glenn Loovens and Max Power at AFC Wimbledon

Ross signed the central defender this summer but his start to life on Wearside has been disappointing following some erratic displays.

Ozturk was a half-time sub at Kingsmeadow, replacing Glenn Loovens who went off with a tight groin and he played a big part in helping Sunderland regain a foothold in the game.

Ross revealed: "Glenn possibly could have continued but his groin had tightened up and it was a big ask anyway for him to play three games in a week.

"But I was pleased for Alim because it's been a difficult start and he's somebody I know from working with him previously (at Hearts) and I speak to him a lot.

"He's felt it because he cares about his football. I was pleased when he came on and contributed to us winning the game. It's nice for him psychologically."

With Sunderland trailing 1-0 at half-time, Ross was bold in his substitutions and had made all three by the hour mark.

Max Power replaced by Dylan McGeouch on 51 minutes before fit-again Bryan Oviedo replaced Reece James seven minutes later.

Ross revealed why he had to remove Power from the action early.

He said: "He fell awkwardly in training and he was feeling it in the first half. He wanted to play on but I thought it hindered him a little bit performance-wise.

"I thought he was quieter than normal in the first half because he plays with such good energy.

"At the start of the second half I thought the same.

"He's not the type that would tell me, 'Take me off' but it was a decision we made.

"Dylan was a great sub to have because he gave us good control of the ball. But it's just a little thing with Max, I think he'll be fine."