Match-winner Mepham 'proud to set good example'

Chris Mepham said his first Sunderland goal was reward for his hard work to get back into the side.

The 27-year-old Wales international had started 25 of 26 Black Cats games before being benched for the games against Luton Town, Leeds United and Hull City.

He was recalled by Regis Le Bris at Sheffield Wednesday, and was the match winner in the 2-1 win over Cardiff City on Saturday after scoring in the 77th minute.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport Sunderland AFC Podcast: "It was tough because naturally you want to be on the pitch as often as possible and help the team, and I felt like my performances had been decent.

"I had the conversation with the manager and he made it clear that it wasn't directly linked to my performances and it's important to use people like Dan Ballard who have been waiting patiently, and I respected that and understood the decision.

"I think that's why it's been good for me to come back into the team and show what I can do and help the team with two important wins, and, hopefully, I can continue that momentum on in a really important stage of the season."

The former Brentford and Bournemouth player said he tried to set a good example to other players out of the side during his exile.

"It's something I've learned. I've experienced it a few times in my career, being in the team and coming out and feeling that frustration, but I think it's important that you do things properly on the training pitch and apply yourself," he added.

"Coming here I knew that I'd hopefully be an example to younger players and I try and help people like Eli [Mayenda] that are finding it frustrating at times when they're not starting and showing what they're about.

"I think it's important in that moment to help them and use my experience of being left out of the team and channel that in a way that can be positive for the team."