Sunderland host Cardiff City in the Championship on Saturday afternoon

It takes a special player to score against Burnley these days. Sunderland’s promotion rivals have made a habit of shutting out opposition strikers in recent months, and were on a remarkable run of 13 consecutive Championship clean sheets prior to their 2-1 win over Cardiff City on Tuesday evening.

The man who eventually put one past James Trafford, succeeding where so many before him have failed, was Yousef Salech, and while his goal ultimately counted for little in the grand scheme of things, his latest eye-catching contribution should serve as a timely warning to Regis Le Bris and his squad ahead of the Bluebirds’ trip to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.

Salech arrived in the Welsh capital from Swedish side Sirius in mid-January, and has subsequently wasted little time in establishing himself as one of the most prolific goal threats in the second tier. Despite Cardiff’s relatively lowly standing and their ongoing dalliance with a relegation battle, the Dane has struck four goals in nine league outings for Omer Riza’s struggling side at a rate of one strike every 93 minutes. He also has an effort in the FA Cup to his name, for his troubles.

Contextually, that return makes him one of most dangerous centre-forwards in the division. Of the players who have made five or more appearances in the Championship this term - and who are still plying their trade in the competition at the time of writing - his rate of 0.95 goals per 90 minutes is only matched by Sheffield Wednesday star Callum Paterson.

For Sunderland, then, Salech’s looming trip to Wearside poses an obvious problem, even in spite of the 17 league places that separate the Black Cats and Cardiff heading into the contest. For his new, and presumably grateful, manager, however, the 23-year-old’s stunning acclimatisation to life in the EFL must feel like a vindication.

Speaking after Salech’s latest goal-scoring turn against Burnley, Riza explained that the decision to sign the player in January was very much a decision that the board put on his shoulders and his shoulders alone.

He said: "Put it this way, when I wanted to sign him, the message was, 'This is on you. Is he at the level to step up to the Championship? Is he going to be able to do this? Or do that?'

"I said, 'Look, I'm telling you what he's going to do' and so far, touch wood, he is doing that. I always say, live by the sword, die by the sword, let's hope it continues. I don't want to put too much pressure on him. We've got other players like Robbo up there who can score goals, that's their job.

"He was good today, Yousef, he was strong, won his headers and first and second balls, he tried to bring the ball in. He created opportunities and scored an opportunity. I'm really happy with him.”

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Riza added: "That was from the board, which is fine. Sometimes it's 'Are you sure about this player?' That's fine. I think it was a tongue in cheek comment - I hope it wasn't a serious threat! But it was on me. I made a decision and stuck by it. He's doing well and I'm pleased for him.

"I had the confidence he would do well. Players take time to settle, but other than the first couple of days when he looked a bit nervy coming into the group, he takes things in his stride. I keep saying, he is honest, hard working, hungry, wants to get better, engaged, he's scored five now and could have had a hat-trick today! He is doing excellent and working hard."

But Riza’s - and Cardiff’s - joy is Sunderland’s concern, and if the Black Cats are to keep the Bluebirds’ revelatory marksman quiet this weekend, it may well take a considerable effort.

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