'Big part of our success' - Midfielder names the five key characters in Sunderland squad

Sunderland are evolving off the pitch, but the changes off the pitch are apparently down to five key 'core' characters.

Sunderland captain Corry Evans has paid tribute to the five senior ‘core’ players in the squad that have had a huge positive impact on the progress the club has made.

The Black Cats are quickly becoming known for developing top young players, and the likes of Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil, Jack Clarke, Trai Hume and Aji Alese have commanded many of the plaudits this season.

However, Evans is part of an experienced core of players within the squad that also includes Lynden Gooch, Alex Pritchard, Bailey Wright, Danny Batth and Ross Stewart – and he says the work they do off the pitch is absolutely pivotal to the success of the club.

“They've all been brilliant this season again. They had a big impact last season and they've carried it on.

“I'm speaking about the likes of Goochy, Bailey, Danny Batth, Pritch, Ross…

“There's quite a lot of us there and we've been trying to keep the standards high around the training ground and having the right kind of values within the squad to then perform when it comes to Saturdays. I think that's been a big part of our success.

Evans signed a new Sunderland deal this week despite facing a lengthy injury lay-off, and he says it was a very easy decision to commit his future to the Wearside club.

“It was a no-brainer really,” he said. “The club have been really good to me since I've been here.

“I'm obviously captain and feel I have a lot of responsibility as well. The club have trusted me in that sense, and I think as a team we have progressed really well in the last year and half that I've been here.

“I think it's a bright future ahead and I want to be part of that.”

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