SUNDERLAND manager Jack Ross is more than happy to continue selecting Denver Hume ahead of Bryan Oviedo, and insists he will not be swayed by reputation or salary when he is choosing his starting line-up.

Hume made his second league start of the season on Saturday, and impressed in a left wing-back role as Sunderland ended a three-game winless run with a resounding victory over Rochdale.

The 22-year-old went into the current campaign without a senior start to his name, but was selected ahead of Oviedo, who played for Everton for five years and spent the summer representing Costa Rica at the World Cup finals.

Oviedo was understandably disappointed at his demotion to the substitutes’ bench, but Ross makes no apology for choosing an untried youngster ahead of a seasoned international.

The Sunderland boss was impressed with Hume’s attitude during pre-season as well as his performance in this month’s draw with Fleetwood, and has hinted he could retain the left-back slot when the Black Cats return to action at Coventry City this weekend.

“Every decision you make regarding team selection, you don’t do it on a whim,” said Ross, who saw his side return to the top three with Saturday’s win. “There’s usually some sort of consideration and corroboration behind it.

“Denver was very unfortunate not to play in the previous game and keep his place in the team. When we decided to play (a different) system, we then had to look and decide what we wanted from players in certain areas, and what we also needed as a team. We talked about physicality and aggression.

“I don’t think Bryan played poorly (against Burton), I just thought this was a game that would be better suited to Denver. Every time Denver has played this season, he’s been good. I don’t think anybody can argue with that.

“It’s just up to him to keep taking the opportunities, and I thought he did that against Rochdale. Bryan’s reaction was disappointment, but in terms of professionalism, he was fine, and I think you saw that when he came on.

“I stress it to all the team, it’s a group that brings you success, it’s never just ten or 11 players. We’re going to need that group throughout the course of the season, and fortunately for me, every one of them has responded in the correct way so far.”

Ross made a number of changes at the weekend, switching to five at the back to give his side more of a threat in the wide areas and handing Tom Flanagan a first league start as one of three centre-halves.

The summer signing from Burton Albion was a prominent figure during pre-season, but damaged his knee shortly before the opening weekend and was forced to bide his time with Jack Baldwin and Glenn Loovens forming a successful centre-half partnership.

“He was unfortunate to pick up the injury so late in pre-season,” said Ross. “The competition for places has grown with players coming back fit, and Tom’s work pre-season meant he was always going to be very much considered for selection as soon as he got fully fit.

“He’s worked back to full fitness, he’s there now, and I thought he took his opportunity in the game. That will continue to be the case for players. I’m pleased for him, and pleased we’ve been able to show that changes in personnel haven’t affected us in terms of results.”

Flanagan was delighted to make his League One bow in a Sunderland shirt, but readily admits the experience came much later than he had anticipated and hoped.

“I was really pleased to get a start in, although it’s about a month-and-a-half too late,” said the 26-year-old. “The injury was a pain, but it’s over and done with now, I’m feeling fit. I was pleased to get through the 90 (minutes).

“I was really worried when it first happened. I just sort of went over, there was a challenge with (Lynden) Gooch, but I didn’t quite get there.

“My knee swelled and the physio wasn’t sure what had happened. When we went for the scan it wasn’t clear, which was a surprise, and we just had to let it settle. It took a lot longer than I thought, but at one point we worried it would be until Christmas.”