LJ POST WIGAN

Lee Johnson was delighted with the 2-0 victory at Wigan in League Cup and especially happy with the performance of his fringe players…

FRINGE PLAYERS

“We’ve seen in training what they all can do, and it's almost embarrassing that you can’t get them on the pitch at times,” said the Sunderland head coach. “I wish we could bring back five subs because you feel almost uncomfortable not being able to get them on the pitch when they're doing so well.”

CHANGES

“I know Wigan made changes, but we made changes and I think our depth showed. But it’s almost disrespectful to call that team ‘depth’ because it’s more than that. There’s starters and really good players in that XI – it’s only circumstance that means they haven’t played in the league as much as they would have hoped.”

WE CAN DO BETTER

“The thing is, we can only get better. We haven't peaked, nowhere near. It’ll probably take until game 15 or 20 because we recruited late. What I think it’s proven is that it is worth waiting for the quality, and of course that a good pre-season was important for the ones that were here, because they can carry the others at times. I’m really proud of those players tonight.”

HUGGINS INJURY

“I’m hoping it’s just cramp. I think it was because it seems to have eased off."