REGIS LE BRIS feels Eliezer Mayenda is developing into the striker Sunderland need as they look to force their way into the Premier League.

The Black Cats are desperately trying to sign a new centre-forward this month, with Westerlo’s Matija Frigan regarded as a leading target.

However, having failed in attempts to land Ben Brereton Diaz and Tom Cannon, Le Bris is having to continue to go with what he has, and this evening, that meant pairing Mayenda with Wilson Isidor as a centre-forward pairing against Derby.

Mayenda scored Sunderland’s first-half winner at Pride Park, with Le Bris having been impressed with the rate of the teenager’s development this season.

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“We have many young players, and for someone like Eli, they need experiences to grow,” said the Black Cats boss. “Obviously, in an ideal world, we would like to have (forward) players who are tall and fast, with a good technique and good finishing. In a perfect world, you want someone who can do everything.

“But we have to build these players. The players we have are talented, but they need time and experiences to grow. Eli is getting that, and he is doing well.”

Sunderland dominated for the opening hour against Derby, with Mayenda’s clinical finish after a through ball from Jobe Bellingham handing them a deserved lead.

The Rams rallied in the final half-hour, though, forcing Le Bris to change system and revert to a three-man midfield, and the Black Cats were indebted to two excellent saves from Anthony Patterson that enabled them to keep a clean sheet.

“It was a big win, an important win for our journey,” said Le Bris. “It was a tough game. We had the opportunity to score a second goal, but we didn’t and with their back three and wide players, it was difficult to press and apply pressure on their first ball.

“I think after the first 15 minutes, the formation worked well. We were good in that part of the game, and Eli scored in that position so it was positive from that perspective.

“After that, it was a bit more difficult and we lost a bit of control in the middle of the pitch. When we have two strikers, we have one less player in the middle.

"Halfway through the second half, we decided to make a change and play with three midfielders again, and I think it was better for us. At the end, it was a good choice.”