Sunderland boss Gus Poyet reserved praise for Adam Johnson after the Black Cats lost 1-0 to Liverpool on Saturday.
The Uruguayan coach revealed that the winger had barely trained after becoming a father earlier this week but Poyet was delighted with Johnson's performance at the Stadium of Light.
Poyet told BBC Sport: "I feel sorry for Jonno because he was terrific all over the park. He didn't train much this week because he is a father now, and he has been at home with his wife.
"It has been a difficult week [for Johnson] but he wanted to play today and he gave us everything. He was getting tired at the end but he nearly made a difference for us.
"He's been one of the most in-form players of the last few weeks, so looking forward to seeing him rest and come back next week."
Sunderland are currently 15th in the Premier League table, with only three wins to their name this term.
Paul Gorst
