JACK ROSS feels midfielder Max Power is doing everything he can to start for Sunderland after his early season discipline problems.

Power is well liked among both supporters and the coaching team because of his energy in play and ability to look for a forward pass.

That was highlighted again last weekend when he was introduced from the bench in the second half against Wycombe in a bid to get Sunderland more attack-minded in the middle of the pitch.

Now Power, who also went close to heading a late winner in the 1-1 draw, is being considered for a recall to the starting line-up when the Black Cats head to Walsall on Saturday.

And rather than worry about the two red cards which have earned a suspension for seven of Sunderland’s games this season, Ross feels that could actually lead to him being hungrier to succeed.

Power certainly displayed that desire against Wycombe and he also showed how much he wanted to impress in last week’s Checkatrade Trophy win at Morecambe.

“I’m delighted to have him back available,” said Ross. “It shows the trust we have in him that we gave him the captaincy on Tuesday (at Morecambe) despite the couple of issues that he’s had.

“I like him a lot, he’s forcing his way back into my team which is all I can ask for. I said it to my staff after the Port Vale game in the FA Cup when he had a similar impact from the bench.

“It reminds you, why we were so keen to bring him and those attributes that he’ll bring over the course of a season. He’s desperate to do well, that’s why he’s ended up frustrated at times. He looked fit and strong on Saturday.”

It would have been easy for Sunderland fans and the backroom team to have turned on Power when he followed up his straight red card against Oxford on September 1 with a second at Bradford a month later.

The former Wigan man was perceived to be a crucial cog when he arrived from Wigan on loan in August, and to have been ruled out for seven of those early season games was deeply frustrating for Ross and Sunderland.

He was also forced to miss two Checktrade Trophy games because of suspension rules, so he has been banned for more games than he has started since his move. Another red card could mean a further five game suspension.

Nevertheless the 25-year-old is in contention to replace Dylan McGeouch at Walsall, even if Lee Cattermole makes a return to fitness. George Honeyman is expected to keep his place in the middle after creating the equaliser for Josh Maja against the Chairboys.

Ross accepts both Power and Maja – who helped spare Sunderland’s blushes by shining from the bench – are doing what they need to in order to secure a starting spot in the team again.

Ross said: “It’s difficult to get into the team when they’re winning and he knows that, I can’t just shoehorn people in when others are doing well. But Josh’s impact and his impact showed that they wanted to get into the team.”

What makes the Maja situation more complicated is the increased attention he is receiving from higher league clubs.

As well as well-documented interest in the 19-year-old from Millwall, Middlesbrough and Bristol City, among others, in the Championship, there is also growing attention from the Premier League.

Word is spreading that Maja is a high quality finisher even if his all round game still needs improvement, and that has alerted Southampton, Tottenham and Manchester City.

There is talk of a January offer in the region of £6m being readied for the former Fulham youngster, although with his contract entering the final year Sunderland will have to make him a sizeable offer to entitle them to a hefty compensation fee.

Ross has not given up hope of keeping Maja beyond January but he does know that he will be powerless to prevent a sale if those sort of figures become reality.