Lynden Gooch is happy to ride to Sunderland's rescue and fill in at full-back as he looks to help end the club's four-year stay in League One purgatory. Gooch has demonstrated his versatility this season, with Black Cats boss Alex Neil and his predecessor Lee Johnson both using him in a variety of different positions.
He has played in both full-back roles, as a wingback on either side, in midfield, and also as a wide forward at various times. Gooch admits it has been difficult adjusting to the different demands of those roles, but insists he will play anywhere as the club looks to achieve promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.
"I've said for years that I'm willing to play anywhere for the team and the lads and the club," said Gooch, who played at right-back in Friday's 1-0 play-off semi-final first leg win against Sheffield Wednesday at the Stadium of Light. "You have to change your mindset in the way you play in each different position, that's why I think sometimes people say someone's not good enough with this and that.
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"You are constantly changing your mind with the way you have to play the game and there are different roles with what you are doing. I just try to the best of my ability to help the team and that's my role at the minute.
"We have kind of struggled in full-back positions this season and myself and Carl Winchester have had to really step up on that right-hand side. Even on the left at times, when we have had injuries, I have had to play there so I just try to do the best I can.
"Obviously it's difficult at times for myself but it's for the good of the team. And, to be fair, I think people are starting to see now that I can defend.
"I think managers play me there because they trust me and they know I can play both sides of the ball. That's why I think managers have played me in those positions when needed and at the minute I pride myself on defending well and helping the team. When I can attack I try and attack the best I can."
At only 26 years old, Gooch is nonetheless Sunderland's longest-serving player, having left his native USA to join the club's academy full-time a decade ago, and making his senior debut back in 2015. In March last year, he scored the only goal in the EFL Trophy final as the club ended its 48-year wait for a win at Wembley.
And now he wants to similarly help end the Black Cats' run of disappointments in the play-offs, with the club having lost on all six occasions they have been involved in the end-of-season competitions since they were introduced back in the 1980s. "Without a doubt," he said of that aim.
"I said when I signed a new deal three-and-a-half years ago that I want to stay to achieve promotion, not only help us as players, but the people who work for the football club as well.
"I have been here a long time and a lot of people are really close friends who I consider family. If we can achieve promotion for them, it's great for everyone."
Sunderland take their slender lead into tomorrow's semi-final second leg against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. The winners will play either Wycombe or MK Dons in the final at Wembley on May 21.
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