Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell has revealed that he is enjoying playing in a more advanced role for the club.

The 23-year-old has scored one goal in eight games for the Black Cats this season following a £10m summer move from Manchester City.

With manager Gus Poyet deploying Rodwell further up the pitch than City counterpart Manuel Pellegrini, the England international admits that he is relishing the challenge of making an impact in the final third.

"That's what the manager wants and I'm enjoying it really," he told the Sunderland Echo. "I've got one goal this season but I've had a couple of chances here and there.

"For all of us though it just needs to fall in the right positions – strikers as well. There's not quite been enough clear-cut chances, but I think they'll come."

Rodwell and his Sunderland teammates are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Southampton in the Premier League.