Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor is 'frustrated' after being axed by head coach Regis Le Bris for the club's last two games as he looks set for a longer spell on the sidelines.

The Black Cats hitman was in great form at the turn of the year. The club's leading scorer, he led the line with power and pace as well as bagging a number of goals, as Sunderland opted to make his loan move permanent in January.

However, despite a stunning solo goal against Leeds United, Isidor has been dropped for the last two matches in favour of Eliezer Mayenda who has scored goals and looked more dynamic. Mayenda grabbed both goals in the 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday and was on target again at the weekend against Cardiff City.

READ MORE: Jewison Bennette Sunderland exit reason as Kristjaan Speakman outlines 'progression'

READ MORE: The surprise inspiration behind Chris Mepham's first ever Sunderland goal

He looks set to keep his place for tomorrow night's clash against Preston North End at the Stadium of Light. That is even though Isidor made an impact from the bench on Saturday, setting up Chris Mepham for the winner.

“Wilson is frustrated but at the same time, like we did with Chris Mepham, the conversation was totally open from my point of view," said Le Bris in his pre-match media briefing.

“So at the same time they know we need a full squad. It’s important to refresh, and it was important for Eli as well to get minutes and score goals. Every win is important and that one was important."

Le Bris had hailed Mayneda in the aftermath of the Cardiff victory, saying: “Eli is doing very well, he’s well connected with the team, and the first goal was a great example of that. When a striker is in strong form, we have to keep him in the starting XI.

“It was a team goal – good work from the high press, and Eli was sharp. He’s confident at the moment, and he finished it well.

“It was also good to have two wingers again [Romaine Mundle and Watson] on the left because, for a large part of the season, it wasn’t possible to play with natural wide players. With the way we want to play, they are very important.

"They are rebuilding their rhythm and need time to find their best form. They need time to be sharp on the pitch, but minute by minute, they will improve.”

While Sunderland have won their last two matches, they remain outsiders for an automatic promotion spot. Leeds United and Sheffield United are in the box seat, with Burnley in third.

Asked if he was optimistic about a top-two promotion slot after Leeds United lost on Sunday he added: “I am not pessimistic or optimistic. I just want to focus on us.

"If we win six, seven, eight games we have a better chance to be promoted and in the top two than if we win three or four, or even one or two.

“The only focus we have is to win, to improve our team and to be in our best shape and momentum to finish this final stage.”

He added: “We have to manage a game with lows and ups. Sometimes it’s not easy to be dominant against different styles of football.”