Josh Scowen lifts the lid on what Lee Johnson can bring to Sunderland

Johnson was unveiled as Phil Parkinson’s successor on Saturday afternoon and got work straight away on Wearside, leading the side during their 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic.

And while it was far from the start Johnson was hoping for, Scowen is confident that the 39-year-old can make a big impact at the Stadium of Light – having seen his work first hand.

"My experience with him was good,” he told safc.com.

"He's a really good coach and I think he's going to come in and improve everyone, no matter how old you are.

"I'm excited to work under him again and looking forward to the future.”

Sunderland’s defeat to Wigan saw their winless run in all competitions extend to seven games, but Scowen is confident that results will come – provided there are some minor tweaks in the final third.

"I think it's a game we've dominated,” said the midfielder of the clash with the Latics.

"They've had one shot and scored from it and we've had numerous chances and haven't managed to make the most of them.

"They defended well but we could have maybe done a little bit better in the final third. Some of our crossing wasn't the best today but we got in good areas and if we keep getting in those areas then it'll come.

“That's football and a lot of it just is in the final third,” he continued.

"We've got the players here we know can score goals so if we can improve in that area then we'll fly up the table.”

The Black Cats will turn their focus to the Papa John’s Trophy in midweek as they head to Johnson’s former side, Oldham.

And with changes expected, Scowen is backing the squad to deliver the goods.

"We've got a really strong squad and whatever side the gaffer picks is strong enough to go and win the game,” he said.

"In this period we'll see a lot of changes maybe, but whatever side goes out we're more than capable of getting the points.”

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