Sunderland assistant manager Paul Bracewell has admitted Adnan Januzaj offers the side something “very special” after netting the winner against Shrewsbury on Wednesday.

Following a difficult summer which saw the departure of boss Sam Allardyce to England, the Black Cats have struggled to gel so far under David Moyes, losing both of their Premier League games 2-1.

They finally got their first win under the Scot when Januzaj’s 83rd-minute strike gave the Wearsiders, who are 2.25 to be relegated, a 1-0 triumph over the Shrews in the second round of the EFL Cup.

The Belgian recently joined on a season-long loan from Manchester United and is looking to reignite his career after bursting through under Moyes during the Scot’s brief tenure at Old Trafford.

At just 21, Januzaj has plenty of time to prove himself but repeated questions over his attitude have led to suggestions he may be running out of chances to shine at the top level.

Playing regularly at Sunderland could be exactly what he needs and Bracewell has certainly been impressed by the starlet.

Moyes’ number two says the playmaker’s talent means he can give the side the quality they are lacking elsewhere although he admits Januzaj remains a work in progress.

“That’s one of the reasons why the boss brought him in,” Bracewell said. “All of a sudden, he can turn, and it was a great finish to get a result on a tough night.

“Some things we were happy with and some things we weren’t. He’s got that ability to deliver something very special like that.”

Next up for Sunderland is the long trip to Southampton on Saturday, a game they are 6.00 to win, with the draw 3.75 and the Saints the 1.62 favourites.