FOOTBALL: Northern Ireland's Paddy McNair looking to hit top form for Sunderland

Paddy McNair, the match-winner in Wednesday's EFL Cup tie at QPR, has asked Sunderland fans to be patient with him as he gets fully fit.

The 21-year-old defender, who played just his second full 90 minutes for Sunderland, joined from Manchester United last month without having had a full pre-season.

McNair scored his first Sunderland goals as the Black Cats came from behind to win at Loftus Road, earning a fourth-round trip to Southampton.

The Northern Ireland international said: “It was a good night for me personally but also for the team, and I think we deserved to go through to be honest.

“It was brilliant [to celebrate with the fans] and we had great support so it was great for them to see us win.

“It was difficult during the first weeks after I came from Manchester United where I hadn’t had a pre-season, so I’m just been trying to get going and it was also a big change.

“I want the fans to be patient with me but hopefully I’ve shown what I can give the team.

“We have two big games coming at home and hopefully we can take six points before heading into the international break.”