Sunderland returned to winning ways on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Doncaster Rovers, with two moments of quality from Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire settling the match.

The former has been significant since his return from injury, and his brilliant strike earned him praise from Phil Parkinson, who also highlighted his hard work and attitude.

That is something the Black Cats need more of if they are to begin moving in the right direction, as although there has been a lack of quality, winning three games from 15 under Parkinson, there is a sense that a greater work ethic could produce better results.

Now the manager has a settled formation in place that seems particularly true. If the front-three of Gooch, Maguire and Charlie Wyke can replicate their performances last time out then Sunderland may build on their three-match unbeaten run.

The away side still didn’t create a great deal with just five shots on target but there was desire on show, and Maguire expressed that very well by meeting Denver Hume’s low cross to net the winner.

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It has been a difficult season for the 30-year-old as he has experienced his fair share of downs, from being controversially caught eating McDonald’s with Aiden McGeady to facing criticism of his performances.

However, his six goals and four assists this term underline the quality he possesses, with his teammates unable to match his return in either department.

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Sadly for Sunderland, and particularly Parkinson, he has often not shown enough effort and his impact on the team has been negligible as a result, but the Rovers game highlighted what he can produce when he’s on form.

Along with his goal, he also made the assist for Gooch, though his contribution was insignificant in comparison to what the winger did with the ball.

Added to that, he troubled the home side throughout. According to WhoScored, he managed four shots and two key passes, acting as a constant threat for Sunderland – which is something they have too often lacked this season. This is why Maguire’s performance was as frustrating as it was impressive.

Parkinson had struggled with Will Grigg up-front too often when he first arrived, and he hindered the team not just because of his lack of goals, finding the net once, but overall contribution – regularly failing to get involved in the game.

Maguire deserves credit, therefore, particularly as he is playing in a less familiar position on the wing yet still producing the quality to win matches, and his manager will be hoping he can maintain that standard.

His nine goals and seven assists last season indicate he is an important member of the squad, and the fact he already looks like surpassing that total despite underperforming at times means he could be very valuable.

Much of that depends of Parkinson’s management of the player, as it will be incredibly infuriating for everyone involved if he returns to his inconsistent ways.

In other news, the Black Cats’ boss deserves praise for his bold decisions paying off against Doncaster.