Sunderland legend Marco Gabbiadini admits Craig Gardner's homesickness is a concern.
Gardner has impressed, scoring twice in his last four games, including a scorching long range volley against Swansea last weekend in the Premier League.
Gabbiadini told talkSPORT: "There is this rumour that he's a bit homesick and all we do is talk about things and highlight it but when you move clubs it's not always easy.
"But fair play to him, he's come in, he's played right-back a couple of times and was outstanding. That shot he's got is just awesome, he just unleashes it and it's in the back of the net the second it leaves his boot.
"He's done well and he's one of those players who you like to have in the team because at the moment we're getting goals from all over.""People think you're machines and you should just turn up and play and be alright but a lot goes on in the background and he wasn't playing, which obviously is the main thing a footballer.