MICHAEL BEALE wants to do everything he can to help Sunderland’s strikers build on Nazariy Rusyn’s first goal in a red and white shirt.

The Ukrainian became the first striker to score for the club this season when he moved ahead of his marker to turn in Jack Clarke’s run and cross just before half-time against Preston.

Beale has tried different options to solve the number nine conundrum since taking over from Tony Mowbray before Christmas, while Mowbray himself always wanted an experienced striker to lead the line.

Summer recruits Rusyn, Eliezer Mayenda, Luis Hemir and on-loan Chelsea man Mason Burstow have all struggled for time and goals since arriving, but Beale is sympathetic to the situation the New Year’s Day goalscorer is in.

Beale, whose side went ahead in the tenth minute through Alex Pritchard’s thunderbolt, said: “The story of the game is a number nine scores for Sunderland. He earned his goal today and it has been difficult for him.

“His wife and children aren’t here. That must be hard for him, with everything going on back home and at this time of the year. He’s been here six months and he’s on to his third coach. I am delighted for him.

“You can transfer talent, but someone has to be comfortable in an environment and we can’t forget that. We have to do a lot to help people settle and that goal will do him the world of good. 

"To get a standing ovation and a goal, what a way to start the year. Well done Naz. Jack’s run will be highlighted but Naz’s run and finish was excellent.”

Sunderland remain in the play-off picture ahead of this Saturday’s FA Cup break when Newcastle United travel to the Stadium of Light.

Huge focus will now turn towards the first Wear-Tyne derby in eight years but Beale is also looking forward to getting on the training ground with his squad. Since taking over the games have come thick and fast.  

He said: “It’s been a really good start, the schedule is ridiculous in the league, and I think I saw that second half. We had players out on their feet. The idea was to start fast, take the game to Preston and it was the best start with Pritchard’s goal.

“I feel like I have been in the job for two weeks, with four games, two travels, and been trying to get round the group.

“It was clear at Rotherham we weren’t going to score if we didn’t have a striker. Now Naz has had an opportunity. And he has contributed to the team.

“The most important thing was to get a home win against a Preston team fighting with us around us for same positions.  I am delighted with a clean sheet, second clean sheet in three games.”

And Beale already knows what the visit of Newcastle means.

He added: “It is a good week for everyone in this part of the world, good for the FA Cup because it catches the imagination for everyone.

“We are a young team, they have had big investment, the rivalry is there for the two clubs in different positions. It is at home, it will be a sell-out - that is why you coach and follow your team.”