Chris Coleman's simple verdict on who should be taking penalties for Sunderland

Aiden McGeady can continue taking Sunderland's penalties, providing he is the first Black Cat to put his hand up.
Aiden McGeady. Picture by Frank ReidAiden McGeady. Picture by Frank Reid
Aiden McGeady. Picture by Frank Reid

McGeady struck the post from the spot on Tuesday night after Norwich City’s Grant Hanley fouled Ashley Fletcher.

That was Sunderland’s first penalty miss in 31 attempts, with Seb Larsson the last to fail in a 2-1 defeat to Wolves back in December 2011.

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McGeady did score from the spot during the recent 4-1 thumping of Derby, however, and Coleman is happy for him to continue. Lynden Gooch is the only other player in the squad to score a penalty this season.

Coleman said: “If we get a penalty on Saturday, the first person who says they want to take it, takes it. Simple as that. If you want to take that responsibility, that’s fine by me.

“I think it is hard for me to push that onto someone. Whoever runs up can have it, but I won’t tolerate fighting over it.

“The first person who wants to take it can take it. If that is Aiden then so be it. He missed one, but he scored one not long before, so if he wants another, if he has that confidence, go and take it.”

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Coleman admits his team are rapidly running out of time to save their Championship status ahead of tomorrow’s trip to the Madejski Stadium.

He said: “If Tuesday was a must, must-win, then this is a must, must, must-win.

“I hope the microphones are still in my face on Saturday at 5pm and people are saying that we are still going, still in the fight.

“We can only keep on performing as we have been. Of course we were very disappointed to give away that goal against Norwich in the last five minutes (in a 1-1 draw), but what we have to do is carry on the level of effort that we have put in over the last four games.

“We don’t have any choice.

“We have to go to Reading and win.”