The January transfer priority for Sunderland that Lee Johnson has already identified

Sunderland struggled to create clear openings again on Saturday afternoon, falling to a desperately disappointing 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic.

Johnson says it his job to build confidence throughout his squad, but thinks help in the January window will also be key.

“I do think it looks like we need a bit of help in terms of a couple of attributes,” Johnson said.

“Maybe we need a couple of extra personnel if possible in January. Maybe somebody to stretch the game in a certain position, maybe we need a bit of extra pace and power. I think that will open it up for other players to come in to it – that would be a priority.

“I think sometimes the squad just needs help.

“Sometimes a player that can stretch the game with a bit of pace, bit of power - sometimes even if they're raw - can allow the footballers if you like to create their bit of magic and bring their unique selling point to the performance. I thought today it lacked a different dynamic.

"I know the big man is out, Charlie, and that could have been something different. When you're trying to play through an opposition it can look quite repetitive so you need to be able to not only play through but play around, and that's when you need speed, and also to play over and that's certainly when you need speed. We were just a little bit short in that area today.”

Johnson says in the meantime it is his job to improve the team on the training ground.

"I certainly think there's no way in the world we give up on anything,” he said.

“There were positive elements and there are elements where I think we need work on the training ground.

“I've mentioned about that need to stretch the game, but while we don't have that it's not about burying the players in their weaknesses.

“It's about finding a way, and that's my job in the next three or four coaching sessions

“We need to create more clear and concise chances in and around the box.”

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