REGIS Le Bris will bide his time before making a transfer decision on Adil Aouchiche this month.

Aouchiche looked certain to leave in the January window only a matter of weeks ago, but a string of injuries and setbacks presented the 22-year-old with opportunities the head coach says he deserved.

Having played just 18 minutes of Championship football in the first three months of the season, Aouchiche has featured in five of the last six games, started the last two and is set to be in from the off again when the Black Cats host Portsmouth this afternoon.

And while Le Bris didn't completely rule out Aouchiche still leaving the club this month, he's going to leave it as long as possible before making a decision.

Le Bris said: "Adil never gave up. He was very clear that an opportunity could arise and it happened. It shows that when you stay connected to the project and you work every day, an opportunity can come. I don't know exactly what will happen but we will take our time. But he has been consistent and for sure, he deserved to be play these games.

"Right now, we need him as we don't have many choices. Also, he deserved to play these games. So he should be happy and I know that he is. If you have to leave now rather than getting minutes even if you don't know exactly what the future holds, I think the better decision is to wait."

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Another fringe player who could yet remain at Sunderland this month is Nazariy Rusyn. The Ukrainian has played just six minutes of Championship football since the end of September but Le Bris didn't rule out the forward staying, despite previously suggesting he could leave.

Abdoullah Ba, however, will almost certainly move on before the month is out.

Le Bris said: "It depends on the player. Abdoullah is not really involved so it's an option for him and could be possible.

"For Naz, Naz was involved in the last game so is still connected with us. He works hard every day so is still connected."