Sunderland boss David Moyes was encouraged by Lynden Gooch's performance in defeat to Middlesbrough.

Moyes praised his youngsters – with American winger Gooch the stand-out performer after being moved to a central role.

“The attitude of the players was great," said Moyes.

“We talked about the young players and they were full out.

“Young Gooch did terrifically in the second half, Duncan Watmore attempted to take people on.

“I thought Adnan Januzaj had some really good moments getting to the byline and beating people. I think there was an awful lot of good things to talk about.

“They tell me that the little boy Gooch, he can do two or three jobs. He can play off the sides, he can play in the middle.

“I just felt at half-time I needed to see if we could get a better control and play a bit quicker."