Journalist James Copley hailed first-half substitute Edouard Michut for his Sunderland performance this weekend.

The Lowdown: Youngsters continue to impress

Sunderland fans are currently reveling in the form of their side under Tony Mowbray, as they sit just one point off the play-offs and after coming out on top against north-east rivals Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light.

In doing so, the Black Cats beat one of the most in-form sides in the Championship while also keeping a clean sheet, which is impressive in itself, but to be doing this well with such a young squad is very promising to see.

In fact, Mowbray is currently managing the youngest squad in the Championship, but it seems that's not hindering him or the players, with stars such as Michut, Amad Diallo and Dennis Cirkin all making a name for themselves.

The Latest: Michut grasps his chance

After an injury to Corry Evans, Michut was thrust into the spotlight yesterday, but he wasn't fazed at all as he looked to showcase why people hold him in such high regard at the club, as Copley spoke about on The Sunderland Echo YouTube channel.

He said: "Fair play to Michut, because what was that, 10 minutes in [when] Michut comes on, and he's a player who we obviously know is hugely talented, everyone says he's hugely talented - but there's always that sort of niggling doubt: is he cut out?

"The physicality thing, I know it's a sort of outdated agreement now, but I think it's relevant in English football - you do need a bit about you, you need physicality, you've got to have the right mindset, and he's come on and he's just let his quality show."

The Verdict: A bright future in-store for Michut

The fact that Michut is still so young and raw at 19 but was seemingly unfazed by his first Tees-Wear derby shows what kind of character he is and the mature head he has on such young shoulders.

While Sunderland would likely love to keep Michut, it would likely be difficult to convince him to join a Championship side when he has the bright lights of Paris Saint Germain to come at the end of the season and also interest from arch-rivals Newcastle United.

Michut has indeed only started two league games so far which will be frustrating for him but if now he can kick on then it's been a masterstroke from Mowbray to ease him in slowly before bursting onto the scene alongside his fellow young stars.