LEE JOHNSON reckons Team GB may have missed a trick by not taking Ross Stewart to the Tokyo Olympics.

The big Sunderland striker put in an impressive, all-action display at Stadium MK on Saturday. Anyone can graft, yet Stewart's efforts affected the game and helped the Black Cats maintain their perfect start to the season.

Let's say that again as it has been a long time coming. Perfect.

It is over 40 years since Sunderland won their opening two league games of a campaign, when Everton and Manchester City were put to the sword in the old First Division in 1980.

Since then, the club would have nailed a fair few medals of their own if misery was an Olympic sport.

Of course, there is a long way to go this season, yet there is a something about Johnson's new, youthful-looking side that can fill Black Cats supporters with genuine optimism.

Stewart's bustling performance epitomised this and he is making a huge fist of stepping into the departed Charlie Wyke's shoes.

“He worked hard. One penalty given, one penalty should have been given, he's scored a goal and he's flicked the ball on for Alex Pritchard's chance,” said Johnson.

“He's worked his socks off and he's a really good athlete. He could be a long-jumper, he could be a 400-metre runner or even a high-jumper! He's got that capability.

“We've worked a lot on him with his back-to-goal, and I think that's improved. He could still use his body better but he's had a really good influence on the first games of the season.”

Stewart broke the deadlock on 42 minutes with a poacher's finish when MK goalkeeper Andrew Fisher made a hash of Aiden McGeady's cross.

The former-Ross County man tested Fisher twice more before winning a soft penalty when he collided with home defender Harry Darling, seven minutes from time.

By then Elliot Embleton had doubled the lead with a classy strike from Dan Neil's clever pass, although Troy Parrott had pulled a goal back for the hosts.

For all MK's efforts, Sunderland never really looked like conceding. Lee Burge looked rock solid in goal, clawing away another Parrott effort in a rare moment of genuine peril.

Late jitters could, and should, have been avoided if Lynden Gooch had converted the 83rd-minute penalty. Yet Fisher smothered his weak spot-kick to blot an otherwise lively display from the American.

Embleton's celebrations in front of the 3,000-strong travelling supporters – and what a joy it was to see them back – when he scored was another highlight of the day. The midfielder's inability to impress Johnson last season has been forgotten and Embleton looks set to stay at the Stadium of Light this season, despite continuing interest from the side he helped to promotion last term, Blackpool.

“I've been here since I was seven, so why wouldn't I want to play for my club? I'm enjoying it,” said Embleton. “The gaffer and I have had conversations and all that is behind us. We're just looking forward now and hopefully we'll get promotion this year.

“He said I'll have my chance to show what I can do and carry on from last season, and I think I've done that.

“As long as I'm playing I'll play anywhere. I don't mind dropping deeper into the No.8 role, or even out wide. To score in front of those fans was unreal.”

He added: "Two wins out of two, plus a win in the cup – you can't ask for any better. We have big aspirations as a club. You saw the fans today – it's massive. We're in this league now but we're definitely striving to get better.”