Tony Mowbray has no plans to make major changes for Sunderland's weekend trip to Swansea City - although he has not ruled out 'tinkering' with his side after back-to-back goalless draws. The Black Cats head to South Wales on Saturday after consecutive stalemates on home soil against Preston North End last weekend and then Blackpool in midweek.
Mowbray responded to the Preston result by fielding an extra attacker in Amad Diallo against Blackpool as he looked for a way to increase Sunderland's goal threat while specialist centre-forwards Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms remain sidelined, but it was to no avail. He may tweak his side again on Saturday, possibly to find a way to include pacy Costa Rica international winger Jewison Bennette in his starting XI.
"I'm making calls on players based on how they are interacting with the group," said Mowbray, who brought on Bennette as a sub and also handed midfielder Edouard Michut his debut from the bench against Blackpool. "It's very difficult to come from foreign countries and, within a month, integrate straight into the way we play and what we want to do.
READ MORE: Lynden Gooch backs Sunderland to rediscover scoring touch after creating chances against Blackpool
"I'm not sitting thinking 'expect five changes at the weekend' - I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen. I know we've drawn three of the last four, but I think the lads have done pretty well.
"They've worked really hard and they have deserved to keep going and see how it goes. Whether we tinker with it, let's wait and see.
"Diallo got a start the other night, Jewison didn't get a start because he'd been halfway around the world and he is just a kid. He [Bennette] brings what this team might need, a bit of speed in behind, a bit of directness from someone who wants to run in behind and stretch the back line.
"At some stage we have to look at the assets we have got and how best to utilise them to help the team."
Mowbray had intended to include Dennis Cirkin on the bench against Blackpool after the defender recovered from the hamstring problem that had sidelined him for a month, but ultimately opted to give him a few more days' training. But the ex-Spurs man will be flying to Swansea with the rest of the team tomorrow and could come into contention on Saturday.
Mowbray said: "Dennis Cirkin is travelling with us, and we'll see what the plan is for him."
Sunderland have no new injury concerns in the wake of Tuesday's game against Blackpool, with Mowbray adding: "There were a few who didn't go on the grass today because they were still a bit sore or a bit stff, but generally those lads are the ones who are pretty robust and as long as they train on Friday, they will be travelling with us to Swansea."
READ NEXT:
- Sunderland star Patrick Roberts nominated for Championship award after bright start to season
- Sunderland loanee nominated for award after bright start away from the Stadium of Light
- Sunderland staying relaxed about lack of strikers but back-to-back blanks are a worry
- Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray criticises big refereeing call as Black Cats miss out against Blackpool
- Sunderland confirm ex-Rangers boss Graeme Murty as the club's new U21 coach
