Sunderland defender Billy Jones has warned manager Gus Poyet that altering his formation to accommodate new signing Jermain Defoe may prove counter-productive.
The Black Cats have lost both Premier League games since Defoe signed from MLS side Toronto earlier this month, with the 32-year-old partnering Steven Fletcher up front in a new 3-5-2 system.
Despite admitting that the shift in formation is yet to yield rewards, Jones says that it could also prove a masterstroke by Poyet if the Uruguayan manages to get it working.
"It's down to the gaffer and the coaching staff to decide what they feel is best for the group," he told The Mirror.
"They will analyse the last two games to see whether it's worth sticking with this system to progress as a team. If it's a system you can master, then you can really do well."
Sunderland sit 16th in the Premier League table, one point clear of the relegation zone, ahead of Saturday's six-pointer with 17th-placed Burnley.
Shane Callaghan
