Jack Ross has explained the reasoning behind handing Jordan Willis the captaincy in Sunderland's weekend win over MK Dons - and why the defender did not wear the armband on the opening day of the season.
The Black Cats' regular skipper Grant Leadbitter was on the bench against the Dons, while his de facto deputy Aiden McGeady missed out through injury.
Last time both were absent was the League One curtain-raiser against Oxford United at the Stadium of Light, and on that occasion goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin was given the honour.
Willis was in the side that day but Ross decided against giving him the extra responsibility of the captaincy on his debut, but says now the centre-back has settled in he has no such qualms.
"The previous time in the league that neither Aiden nor Grant were in the side, I think it was against Oxford," said Ross.
"Jon captained the team, and while I've got nothing against goalkeepers [as captains] it's probably not my preferred choice.
"We thought long and hard about giving the captaincy to Jordan against Oxford but it was his home debut, and that's a challenge as it is.
"Now, he's been at the club a few months, he's got to know us as staff, he knows he can handle it."
With Sunderland looking to mount a promotion campaign, Ross has sought to recruit players who could cut it at Championship level next season - and he rates former Coventry City man Willis, who made three second tier appearances the Sky Blues at the beginning of his career, in that category.
Ross said: "He's a really, really good lad and has embraced coming here.
"He's another one we speak about who we feel as if we could improve and ideally go up the levels with us."
