Jack Ross hails Baldwin after impressing on Sunderland return | OneFootball

Jack Ross has hailed summer signing Jack Baldwin after he helped Sunderland earn a point against promotion rivals Barnsley.

The 25-year-old was dropped after three errors inside a week last month, with Jimmy Dunne and Tom Flanagan instead favoured in defence.

However, Baldwin returned to the side at Oakwell on Tuesday, and put in a strong performance after being recalled.

“I was really pleased with him,” he told reporters. “Jack has made a brilliant step up this season and dealt with the expectation of the club.

“He has played a lot of games, played a lot of minutes and made a good contribution.

“We made a sensible decision to take him out the firing line mentally and physically and you saw the benefits of that at Barnsley.”

The Black Cats host Walsall on Saturday, before facing Portsmouth in the Football League Trophy final on March 31.