Sunderland’s Chemsdine Talbi made a big statement in the club’s Carabao Cup win over Hull City

Régis Le Bris has hinted that he could use Chemsdine Talbi in a central position in the weeks ahead after his excellent performance against Hull City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Talbi scored a brilliant winning goal in the second half when he chipped the goalkeeper at the end of a solo run, booking Sunderland's place in the fourth round of the competition. His goal and performance came just hours after Florent Ghisolfi confirmed that he would be staying at the club despite strong transfer interest from Saudi Arabia.

Le Bris said he was really pleased that a line had been drawn under the speculation and that a combination of injuries in the squad and the club's summer transfer activity could mean the Morocco international plays behind the striker more often.

"It's really positive," Le Bris said.

"We know in the window we can talk and have conversations about the future, but now it's done and it's clear.

"I was also interested by this new position. I feel he can play off the left and right and he's shown in the past he can be a good winger, but also just under the striker where he has this space and this ability to exploit big spaces. Even after 50/60 metres he stayed composed to finish. He had his first chance at the end of the first half and then he scores.

“It depends on the players we have moving forward, Habib and Enzo and Riggy are able to play in this position. Last year we didn't have many wingers but now we have more players in that position so it's possible to explore this option."

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Talbi will have a big part to play in the weeks and months ahead despite not being named in the club's Europa League squad as Romaine Mundle is set to be out until the festive period following knee surgery.

"I'm pleased [Chemsdine is staying]," Le Bris said.

"I repeat in the transfer window anything can happen. Chems had a good season last year but you can take a few steps and think about your future, it's possible. Now we have clarity from his side and our side."

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