Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is urging fans to be patient with his January signings

The Wearsiders have yet to see the best of midfielder Alfred N'Diaye and £5million striker Danny Graham has yet to start a match as O'Neill works out how best to fit him in tactically.

O'Neill said: "There's a rush now to judge players whereas in actual fact, you just need them to settle down and let them find their feet.

"What happens nowadays, more so than ever before, is that you go into a football club and - let's say you're a goalscorer - if you haven't scored in three games, I think you're considered rubbish. If you're a defender and you've let in a few goals it's the same.

"Alfred has played a few games for us now and he's absolutely fine. He's just getting used to things. He's strong and really keen to learn which is great. He's got loads to do, but he wants to do it and I have plenty of confidence in him."