REGIS LE BRIS has praised Dan Neil’s growing positional awareness after the Sunderland skipper played an influential role in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Oxford United.

Neil has been playing in a slightly different role this season, with Le Bris asking the 22-year-old to sit at the base of midfield, with Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg tending to play ahead of him.

The Wearsider came in for criticism after he conceded a crucial penalty in last month’s 2-1 defeat at Watford, but has subsequently produced excellent performances to help Sunderland pick up 13 points from a possible 15 in matches against Derby, Leeds, Hull, Luton and Oxford.

He has claimed an assist in each of the Black Cats’ last three games, and played a prominent defensive role yesterday as Sunderland restricted Oxford to just a single effort on target.

“I don't know exactly how many touches he had today, but it was impressive,” said Le Bris, whose side have opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table. “He gave the right tempo and his position was always very good.

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“He had many evaluations... sometimes in a flat line with the two defenders, sometimes between the two attackers to pin the opposition and create the space for Meps (Chris Mepham) and Luke (O’Nien) to drive with the ball.

“He's very clever, very stable and he drove the ball at times as well. He is improving his way of playing with the team, so I'm very happy.”