Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has held a difficult conversation with Patrick Roberts in his office regarding the winger's lack of game time in the Championship.

The Lowdown: Amad’s instant impact

Amad Diallo arrived at the Stadium of Light over the summer on a season-long loan from Manchester United and the winger has made an outstanding start to life in the northeast.

The Red Devils starlet’s form has therefore seen the 25-year-old pushed out of the matchday line-up, and the boss has now delivered an update on how he’s been dealing with both players behind the scenes.

The Latest: Mowbray’s comments

Speaking to ChronicleLive, Mowbray was full of praise for Diallo and revealed the explanation he’s given to Roberts as to why he’s not currently starting.

"He's only playing on a regular basis because of his talent. I have to sit Patrick Roberts down in my office, who, in my opinion, is probably the most talented footballer in this league, yet he's not playing.

"'Why am I not playing if you think I'm that talented?' 'Well, because this kid assists and scores goals Pat, and with total respect, you scored two amazing goals away at Reading this season and you've had some assists, but Amad's on fire at the moment and he plays in the same position as you'.

"My job is to try to find a way of putting them both in the team, yet you have to pick and choose the games where you feel you can be dominant with the ball and put them both in the team at the same time."

The Verdict: Deserves a chance

Sunderland will be losing Amad next summer so Roberts will get his chance to shine again, and he more than deserves it given the instant impact he can make.

The Black Cats dynamo has two goals and the same number of assists to his name in just ten league starts this season and averages two successful dribbles per game (WhoScored).

Roberts can also operate in five different positions which is handy should any injury crisis occur, though it’s on his shoulders should he want to force his way back into Mowbray’s starting XI.