REGIS LE BRIS expects Wilson Isidor’s positional versatility to be a major asset as the French forward settles into his new surrounds at Sunderland.

Isidor joined the Black Cats in the final week of the transfer window, signing a season-long loan from Zenit St Petersburg that includes the option for a permanent switch next summer.

The 24-year-old make his Sunderland debut as a second-half substitute in last weekend’s 3-1 win at Portsmouth, stepping off the bench in the 73rd minute alongside fellow debutant Ian Poveda.

Isidor replaced Romaine Mundle on the left-hand side at Fratton Park, and with Jack Clarke having left in a move to Ipswich Town last month, there is a clear opportunity for the recent arrival to challenge for a regular berth on the flank.

However, having watched Isidor progress through the youth ranks at Monaco at the start of his career, Le Bris is also convinced his fellow countryman can play as a central striker, potentially challenging Eliezer Mayenda, Nazariy Rusyn and new signing Ahmed Abdullahi for a starting spot.

“He (Isidor) likes to play on the left side,” said Le Bris, who has guided Sunderland to four wins from four in the Championship. “But not totally on the sideline.

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“I think he likes this area of this pitch. He can play on the left but even as a striker, for sure, his average position will be in this area. Both positions are good for him, I think.”

Le Bris was delighted to have been able to get both Isidor and Poveda onto the pitch in the closing stages of Saturday’s victory, and expects the pair to have benefited from their first experience of playing for Sunderland.

He will be working closely with both players during the international break, and envisages them being in strong contention for a starting spot when the Championship programme resumes with a trip to Plymouth Argyle on September 14.

“Minutes on the pitch is different to training,” said Le Bris. “I think these first minutes for Ian and Wilson are important for them to assess the level, to connect with the team, and to give them the energy to improve so it was good, for sure. 

“Some players will be away with their national teams (in the next fortnight), but for the others, it is an opportunity to reconnect with the team because of the transfer window. It will be a good opportunity to work with them, to put the ideas across and help them understand how we want to play.”