Hats off to him’ – Sunderland boss hails ‘really disappointed’ first team outcast after U21s win vs Lyon

Sunderland U21 manager Graeme Murty praised Jewison Bennett for his attitude after the Costa Rican winger played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 win over Lyon on Tuesday.

   The Black Cats recorded their first Premier League International Cup win of the season against their French opponents, with teenage striker Trey Ogunsuyi saving the contest late on with a crucial brace.    Unfortunately, Bennette was not among the scorers himself and two of his goals were disallowed for offside in the first half.

   After starting the game on the right, the 20-year-old was then moved to left-back with just over 10 minutes to play and Murty praised his player for the way he continues to be used.    himself for the development side of Sunderland.

   Speaking to The Echo after the final whistle, he said: “He’s great to work with. He never complains. He’s always willing to listen. And he’s really disappointed that both goals were disallowed because they could have been critical moments in We came out on  wrong side of them but he had to continue and he had to reboot and actually get back into the game.

   “And then when Jenson [Jones] got injured, he went – without complaining as always – and played left-back for the team. So that’s the part of the player that makes sure he’s ready. There’s also an element of making sure that  he’s doing what’s right for the team to make sure we get a clean sheet and stay consistent. So hats off to him because it’s not easy, but he can be really, really happy with his day job.”

   Murty’s comments come after reports from Bennette’s native Costa Rica that his time on Wearside has turned into a “nightmare” and that his continued absence from the first-team picture is a “trial” for the player.    There appear to be concerns in Central America that a lack of playing time could hinder Bennette’s development and in turn negatively impact his national team, as the wide man is seen as the next big thing in Costa Rican football.