Alex Pritchard has issued a rallying cry to his fellow Sunderland players to step up to the plate in the absence of Ross Stewart. The Scottish striker limped out of the warm-up against Middlesbrough last time out, with Tony Mowbray admitting the talismanic striker could miss six to eight weeks of the season.
The news was a big blow to the Black Cats that evening, with Boro running out 1-0 winners at the Riverside in a comfortable display. The Wearsiders struggled in the final third to create chances for Ellis Simms with supporters questioning how they would fare in the remainder of Stewart's absence.
Sunderland of course, will have to find a way, to cope without last season's top goal scorer. Pritchard told Sky Sports: "Ross is a big player and we all know that. But look, Ross isn't with us at the moment and we've got to put that to the side. Ross will come back better and stronger but at the moment it's the boys that are available. We've got to step up now and put some balls in the net."
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The Black Cats have made an impressive start to life back in the Championship, but have had to contend with losing head coach Alex Neil in a shock move to Stoke City. The Wearsiders wasted no time in appointing Mowbray, with the club keen to maintain their early season momentum.
"Nothing has really changed a lot," said Pritchard. "He's [Tony Mowbray] come in here and given us confidence. What we were doing before, now there's a change of manager and he's been great with the lads. In training - expressing ourselves."
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