SUNDERLAND playmaker Adil Aouchiche has hailed interim head coach Mike Dodds for giving him an opportunity to showcase his ability after a difficult couple of months on Wearside.

The 21-year-old midfielder grabbed a goal and an assist in the 2-0 win at Cardiff City, impressing the travelling red and white army.

It's been a tough few months for the former PSG trainee, having fallen out of favour under former Sunderland boss Michael Beale after a disappointing cameo in the defeat to Ipswich Town, but has established himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet under Dodds in recent weeks.

“It was a really good game from the team, for me as well because I scored and gave an assist for Jobe,” Aouchiche told BBC Newcastle after Good Friday's game. “It’s the job of the number 10 in the team and for me it was a really good performance from the team.

“When the referee gave the penalty, I just took the ball and just not think. Just take the ball and be confident and I will score.”

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Aouchiche made no mistake from the penalty spot, rifling the ball into the roof of the net to give Sunderland the lead and there was no letting up.

The Frenchman has shown signs of unlocking the door in the final third, and grabbed the assist for Jobe's seventh goal of the season.

“It was difficult when you are the player and only play a little bit,” Aouchiche said when looking back on his spell out of the side. “It's difficult for me. Now with Doddsy, he gave me a chance and I give him back. When he gave me the confidence, I can show my talent.”