Régis Le Bris says Chemsdine Talbi is showing he can have an impact in a central position for Sunderland.

Talbi returned to Premier League action in his preferred left wing position from the bench against Leeds United last weekend, but reprised his attacking midfield role from the Carabao Cup third round win over Hull City against Brentford in midweek.

Talbi was again on the scoresheet and Le Bris was impressed by the improvements he had already made from the previous round. While competition for places in that position is significant with Enzo Le Fée, Chris Rigg and the fit again Habib Diarra, Le Bris says the Moroccan’s versatility improves his chances of more league minutes in the weeks and months ahead.

“I like his profile because he's versatile,” he said.

“We spoke often about versatility at this level. Chems has the ability to exploit big spaces. Is it in transition or in behind in a set-attack? He has this ability and he can link the player as well. I was even, not surprised, but really pleased with this ability to adapt so quickly in midfield three. It was not so easy against Hull. We saw that he struggled a little bit to find his position, and yesterday it was much better.

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“It shows that, once again, when you get experiences, you learn from different situations. Then, supported, you can get better.”

Talbi is expected to be in the squad as the Black Cats face Coventry City in a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.