Alex Neil explains the importance specific Sunderland individuals to his side

Sunderland got an important win against League One play-off rivals Oxford United yesterday. 

The result has seen Sunderland move back up to sixth in the third-tier table, putting them in the play-offs again. Meanwhile Oxford have moved to eighth in the league.

Sunderland captain Corry Evans gave his side the lead in the 16th minute before the Us’ Elliott Moore equalised with a header in the 35th minute.

Black Cats substitute Elliot Embleton was introduced in the 85th and scored for his side just four minutes later to ensure they took home all three points

This is not the first time Embleton has made an impact from the bench coming on at Gillingham last weekend to set up Nathan Broadhead’s 95th minute winner.

Sunderland boss Alex Neil has credited his player’s performances and stressed the importance substitutions can have on the game as he told the Chronicle: “Elliot is important and all the substitutes are important between now and the end of the season.

“If you think of the last two or three matches, we wouldn’t have the points we got if it wasn’t for the guys coming onto the pitch and impacting the game.

“I can’t stress enough how important those lads are. It’s difficult to keep their minds focused and keep them motivates because obviously they are disappointed that they are not playing, but time after time they are coming on and doing well so they are obviously in the right place to impact the team.”

Neil acknowledged that it’s hard to please everyone when some players will have to be on the bench but it’s about putting the team first as he said: “What I’m saying to them is that while their time to shine might not be right now from the start, it might be next week or the week after.

“When you speak to the senior