MICHAEL BEALE is eager to assist Sunderland’s strikers in building on Nazariy Rusyn’s first goal in a red and white shirt.
When he got ahead of his marker to turn in Jack Clarke’s run and cross shortly before halftime against Preston, the Ukrainian became the club’s first striker to score this season.
Since taking over from Tony Mowbray before Christmas, Beale has tried many solutions to address the number nine dilemma, although Mowbray himself has always preferred an experienced striker to lead the line.
Summer signings Rusyn, Eliezer Mayenda, Luis Hemir, and on-loan Chelsea man Mason Burstow have all struggled for minutes and goals since coming, but Beale understands Burstow’s predicament.
“The story of the game is a number nine scores for Sunderland,” remarked Beale, whose side took the lead in the tenth minute thanks to Alex Pritchard’s thunderbolt. He achieved his aim today, despite the fact that it was difficult for him.
“His wife and children have not arrived. With everything happening on back home especially at this time of year, that must be difficult for him. He’s been here six months and is currently on his third coach. I am overjoyed for him.
“You can transfer talent, but someone has to be comfortable in an environment and we can’t forget that. We have to do a lot to help people settle and that goal will do him the world of good.
“To get a standing ovation and a goal, what a way to start the year. Well done Naz. Jack’s run will be highlighted but Naz’s run and finish was excellent.”
Sunderland are still in the play-off hunt ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup break, when Newcastle United visit the Stadium of Light.
The emphasis will now shift to the first Wear-Tyne derby in eight years, but Beale is also looking forward to getting back on the practice field with his side. The games have come thick and fast since taking charge.
“It’s been a really good start, the schedule in the league is ridiculous, and I think I saw that second half,” he remarked. We had players on the go. The plan was to start quickly and take the game to Preston, and Pritchard’s goal provided the perfect start.
“I feel like I have been in the job for two weeks, with four games, two travels, and been trying to get round the group.
“It was clear at Rotherham we weren’t going to score if we didn’t have a striker. Now Naz has had an opportunity. And he has contributed to the team.
“The most important thing was to get a home win against a Preston team fighting with us around us for same positions. I am delighted with a clean sheet, second clean sheet in three games.”
And Beale already knows what the visit of Newcastle means.
He added: “It is a good week for everyone in this part of the world, good for the FA Cup because it catches the imagination for everyone.
“We are a young team, they have had big investment, the rivalry is there for the two clubs in different positions. It is at home, it will be a sell-out – that is why you coach and follow your team.”
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