Sam allardyce hoping for major jack rodwell influence on sunderland

The midfielder put in an impressive performance from the bench in the loss to Watford. Sam Allardyce is hoping a consistent Jack Rodwell can have a major say on Sunderland’s survival

chances, reports the Shields Gazette. The former Manchester City man is yet to start a game under Allardyce since he took charge back in October, instead featuring from the bench. A series

of niggling injuries have continued to hamper his progress; a problem that has been the definition of his professional career. Rodwell was impressive after being introduced at half time in

the loss to Watford last weekend, showing glimpses of the positive influence he could have on the side. And Allardyce is hoping he can have a big effect on the side if he can perform in that

manner consistently. “I liked Jack Rodwell’s performance,” he told the Shields Gazette. “It was like ‘come on Jack, where have you been? If Jack plays how we know he can on a consistent

basis, that will help a lot.” Such have been the extent of Rodwell’s injuries over recent seasons that the 71 minutes he managed in the loss to Watford was the most he has played since last

August. That makes it impossible for Allardyce to hang his hopes on the midfielder in the busy Christmas period, although that is likely something he already knows. However given his

performance against Watford, Sunderland fans will be hoping Rodwell can have some impact in the upcoming games at the least.