Sunderland fringe figure could get surprise lifeline despite transfer admission

ADIL Aouchiche could be set for a surprise Sunderland lifeline after taking his chance from the bench against Bristol City just 24 hours after Regis Le Bris had admitted the forward could leave in January.

Aouchiche had been limited to just two substitute appearances and 18 Championship minutes prior to Tuesday night's game, when he was introduced for the final 11 minutes.

But the 22-year-old took his chance against the Robins, teeing up the stoppage time leveller for Patrick Roberts.

With Romaine Mundle sidelined and Sunderland now anxiously waiting to discover the severity of Tommy Watson's ankle and knee injuries, Le Bris is short on the flanks and Aouchiche could now have a role to play in the coming weeks.

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"We spoke together during the press conferences and I've said we have to use every player in the team," said Le Bris.

"Adil is one of these players.

"He has good qualities. Probably on the left side when he can connect with the No.8 and the left-back he can create something different.

"He's not a winger who likes dribbling but he can combine and is a player who can create something from nothing. He can disturb the opposition."

On the eve of the Bristol City game, Le Bris had been quizzed on the future of Aouchiche and fellow fringe figures Abdoullah Ba and Nazariy Rusyn.

He said: “There are players who haven’t really been involved who could maybe leave in January.

“If you don’t have the opportunity to play, and you have an option with another club that is good for your development, then sometimes that is a good option to take and move on."