Lee Johnson hints at Sunderland changes as he reflects on the development of his side so far

A number of strong performances from players previously on the fringes in the Papa John's Trophy on Saturday night could prove timely, with Johnson's side held to two frustrating draws in the league since returning from an enforced break.

Aiden O'Brien was one a few to catch the eye and his head coach conceded that he had been left with decisions to make.

"He was good and that's what we want," Johnson said.

"I thought there were a few who were very highly motivated in that game to show us what they can do, and I think it's fair game now. We've had a couple of draws, performed OK, so this was a chance for players that have been training well to go and put a performance in and a number of guys did.

"I was really happy with it."

The win over Port Vale was also notable for a slight shift in the system Johnson has preferred in his tenure to date, with Elliot Embleton and Chris Maguire occupying more central areas in a 4-2-2-2.

Embleton's display was one of the night's big positives and Johnson is pleased to have another option.

Lively cameos off the bench from Aiden McGeady and Jack Diamond reinforced their credentials after their starring roles in the 4-0 win over Lincoln City before Christmas.

"It was very encouraging because we've got to be able to win games a number of different ways at this level," he said.

"We've got to be able to defend a lead, we've got to be able to pepper the box when clubs at the lower end of the table are playing for a draw.

"I have a bit of a frustration that the fans aren't in grounds because the boys are doing so well at winning the ball back.

"Yeah, we're giving it away a lot but we're winning it back so quickly and everyone has bought into that. I think if we had the fans here buying into that, we would really be putting the opposition on the back foot.

"We're not yet and I know opinions sway on any result, but all I can say is there's good work being done and I do believe the players are buying into it, and I do believe over a period of time we'll be successful."

It reflects Johnson's defining task at Sunderland; to turn solid foundations into a side capable of winning games more frequently.

"That's what we need to do and that's an attitude - an attitude to play forward, to play vertical, it's an attitude to play central and not always do you work in the free spaces that we do very well," he explained.

"It's why we have a lot of control in games but it's no good at nil-nil.

"It's good at 2-0 up because you gain that control and you need to have a little bit more penetration centrally.

"I think it's a hangover from previous seasons. I see a lot of fear in our plays and that's the bit I'm trying to reduce as much as possible."

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