McNair confident he’s progressing at Sunderland

Paddy McNair believes he is growing into his role at Sunderland after a difficult start to his new career in the North East.

The 21-year-old joined Sunderland from Manchester United in the summer and the defender was the unlikely goal scorer in their 2-1 win over QPR at Loftus Rd on Wednesday.

McNair started both of the Black Cats’ EFL Cup fixtures this year after being signed by David Moyes on a £4.5 million deal, but has managed just one start in the Premier League.

Despite being short of match practice, McNair believes he is in good shape ahead of important back-to-back ahead of home Premier League fixtures against Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion.

“It’s difficult the first couple of weeks, I came from Manchester United and I haven’t had a pre-season so it’s about getting myself going,” he said.

(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

“Obviously it’s a big change coming from Manchester United; I just want the fans to be patient with me, hopefully I showed tonight what I can give the team.

“The lads are great around the training ground and outside the training ground helping me settle in, they’re a great bunch.

“We have two big games coming up at home and hopefully we can take six points before heading into the international break.”