Jan Kirchhoff will now remain in Sunderland midfield role

Kirchhoff thrived in a holding role in front of the back four in his Stadium of Light debut against Manchester City on Tuesday night after putting his nightmare debut against Spurs firmly behind him.

Sunderland spent around £750,000 to bring Kirchhoff from Bayern Munich last month, with a view to the German offering a much-needed option in central defence.

But manager Sam Allardyce was well-aware that Kirchhoff had operated as a defensive midfielder during a loan spell at Schalke last season and, after using the 25-year-old in that role, the Sunderland boss sees no reason to move him into the back-line at present.

“There’s no need to change him from that position after that performance,” said Allardyce.

“I thought the performance he gave was an outstanding one. I’d be foolish to even want to try to change him at the moment.”

Kirchhoff insists he is equally happy to operate in a position which is not foreign to him and allows him to make the most of his 6ft 5in frame.

“I played a lot in centre-midfield at Schalke and Mainz, and also as a substitute at Bayern,” he said.

“I feel very good in this position. I’m not like Yann M’Vila, dribbling with the ball or an Adam Johnson.

“But you have to put in your strengths and put in what you can. I try to play with my strength and help the team to be successful.

“The coach has to decide where he wants my quality on the pitch.”