"I don't worry about the boo-boys" - Oster

Midfielder John Oster has spoken out this week about the fans who boo him, but has refused to make excuses for what some supporters see as his inconsistent form.

Oster received praise for his performance against Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, and told the Evening Chronicle, "A minority of the fans have given me stick - that's their prerogative. If they boo that's up to them, there's not much I can say.

"They just want the team to win and don't care about the players' feelings. If it means booing them off then that's what they will do. I don't worry about them. When the team's doing badly they need a scapegoat.

Oster acknowledged that his form has fluctuated this season but says he's been out of position, which he doesn't think has helped matters.

"My form's been up and down and I've played on the left in a lot of games, which hasn't really helped me, but that's no excuse" he said.

And the Welshman expressed his disappointment that he was substituted during Sunderland's recent defeat at the Madejski Stadium. "Personally I thought I played well in the last game against Reading even though I was brought off," he said. "I was asked to get crosses in and I did that, but I was taken off, which I wasn't happy about. However, it's the manager's decision."

Oster didn't dodge the issue that Sunderland are having a disappointing start to a season which many supporters hoped would see the team pushing for promotion from the start, and said he thought this was an opportunity for senior players to show that they can salvage something from a shaky start.

"People have been saying they want Sean Thornton or Liam Lawrence, but at times like this you need experienced lads. This is no time for lads like Stephen Elliott - no disrespect.

"Hopefully, things can get better from now on."