Adil Aouchiche set for first Sunderland start after 'making everyone take notice' of his talent

Sunderland could be ready to hand Adil Aouchiche a first start for the club after coach Mark Venus admitted the Frenchman had ‘made everyone take notice’ with his performances.

Aouchiche, a Paris Saint-Germain academy product, joined Sunderland on deadline day from Lorient.

He has made an impact already, getting a superb assist on debut against Queens Park Rangers and scoring the third in the 3-1 win over Birmingham City.

Both of those have been from the bench, though, with him yet to be handed a start by head coach Tony Mowbray.

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However, it sounds like his time will come against Huddersfield Town with Aouchiche likely to get an opportunity in place of the ‘off the pace’ Pierre Ekwah.

"I think of all the players [signed in the summer], he's the one who seems to have settled in the quickest.

“He's a talented boy and his performances from the bench, I think he's made everyone take notice. I think you have to take notice of him.

"He scored a brilliant goal for us, he's created opportunities, he went very close for us against Plymouth.

"He influences the team when he's on the pitch, he's a talented individual. He's important to us, you can see that. He's getting stronger and better as you can see from watching the games."

Mark Venus was standing in on media duty because Tony Mowbray was absent with a chest infection. He is still expected to be at the Stadium of Light for the game against Huddersfield, and for once Sunderland’s injury situation seems to be getting better, not worse.

Venus reports there are no new injury concerns after the defeat at Plymouth, and Mason Burstow and Chris Rigg will both be available for selection again. 

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