TONY Mowbray has challenged Abdoullah Ba to make the most of his chance after handing the youngster his first league start of the season against Coventry. 

Ba featured on the right wing and lasted 71 minutes before he was replaced by Niall Huggins having struggled to make an impact in the goalless draw. 

However, with key man Patrick Roberts sidelined with a hamstring injury, Mowbray hopes the 20-year-old can fill the void in the coming weeks. 

Mowbray said: “He’s got talent, he’s got speed, he’s got power, he’s an inexperienced senior level football player. 

“He’s played youth football for France, he’s not experienced in men’s football, we’re trying to give him game time. 

“With Patrick not being available, it’s a chance to give him some game time, there’s been flashes. 

“Like with a lot of young players they lack consistency and Abdoullah falls into that bracket a little bit. 

“You’re not sure what you’re going to get but on his hot moments he’s very hot.” 

Saturday's draw with Coventry extended Sunderland's unbeaten run to three games, with Mowbray now hoping to add to his squad in the last week of the window.

He said: “I can feel the stress of the people involved [in transfers], it’s not easy with a week to go. 

“The club recruited amazingly well to get out of League One and to finish in the play-off positions last year.

“I’m pretty confident the club are focused on knowing what the team needs to go from a good team to a very good team, let’s see what the week brings.” 

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Both Sunderland and the Sky Blues were beaten in the play-offs last season with Mowbray pleased to see his former club continue on their upward trajectory. 

And Mowbray believes both clubs would improve the top flight should either side achieve promotion. 

Mowbray added: “The game panned out different than I thought, I thought we would dominate possession like we did last year against them and yet they were good with the ball. 

“I was disappointed at half time, we adjusted a few things and were better in the second half, the final ball just wasn’t quite there. 

“Sunderland are a monster of a football club, we’re on the same journey to try and get back to the Premier League and both clubs would enhance the Premier League if and when we get there. 

“Because of the fan base it carries and the stadium it plays in and hopefully the support the club gets along the way.”