Sunderland boss sees future for McNair as an attacking midfielder

Sunderland boss David Moyes insisted Paddy McNair should be regarded as an attacking midfielder after the youngster’s brace at QPR secured a place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.

The Black Cats battled back to win 2-1 at Loftus Road after Sandro put Rangers ahead with a thumping strike on the hour mark.

McNair, who scored an own goal against Manchester City on his Sunderland debut, netted the first goals of his senior career to take the Premier League team through.

And Moyes is convinced the 21-year-old is capable of establishing himself as an attacking player.

“Sometimes there’s a bit of a misconception with Paddy,” said Moyes.

“He is an attacking midfielder. When he started as a boy he was a number 10.

“He’s ended up dropping back up the pitch but he is very much an attacking player and we’ve seen in training that he’s a good finisher who strikes the ball cleanly.

“I believe he’s probably better as a more attacking midfielder and we need to try to find that spot for him.

“It was hard for him, scoring an own goal on his debut, but tonight he was able to get two and I think he will go on to be a really good buy.”

Sunderland are yet to win under Moyes in the league and the Scot hopes their victory over Rangers proves to be a turning point in their season.

He said: “We wanted to get a bit of momentum and I hope it’s the start of a run of games which takes us to a cup final but also hope it’s the start of a bit of belief and confidence and gets us a winning habit.

“The players have been resilient, competing really hard, but I’d like us to be aggressive in our play – not always taking the bullets.

“I thought tonight there were bits of better play and we’ve got to use it as a positive and build on it.

“We want to build so that we’re better, and tonight is a good win that gets us into the next round of the cup.”