Sunderland boss explains 'biggest challenge' coaching Manchester United loanee Amad

Ahead of the Championship play-off semi-finals, Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has explained the biggest challenge coaching Manchester United youngster Amad is ensuring he plays 'serious football' when needed to.

The Ivorian's sensational 54th-minute strike at Preston North End on Monday helped the Black Cats secure sixth spot in the Championship and a spot in the end-of-season competition. Sunderland will host third-place Luton Town on Saturday before travelling south to face the Hatters the following Tuesday.

Whoever is victorious over the course of the two legs will travel to Wembley Stadium for the play-off final where either Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough or Coventry City will await. Before Mowbray can turn his attention to the capital, he must first find a way past Luton.

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Speaking to Chronicle Live in his pre-match press conference, the former Blackburn Rovers manager explained his game plan for the weekend. "I say it without any embarrassment to the team: 'Get the ball to Pat [Roberts], get the ball to Amad," he said.

"Give them the ball. It's not because they're better, it's because that's what they do.

"They can't win headers or tackles like you do, they aren't going to bring that organisation - but give them the ball. What they can do with the ball... you see it every day in training.

"The biggest challenge is to make them play serious football, because sometimes it's almost like being in the playground. It's about having that focus, because if you have too many touches, that guy from the opposition is going to kick you.

"That's the balance for us, when you can get them in that focus and they are looking to really damage the opposition, they