Teenager Chris Rigg can be the new "symbol" of Sunderland, says head coach Regis Le Bris.
The 17-year-old scored the only goal of the game as the Black Cats beat Middlesbrough in the Wear-Tees derby.
It was midfielder Rigg's fourth goal in 32 senior appearances, as his influence grows within the team.
"Chris Rigg is a good symbol of what we want to create and what we want to build as a team and as a club," said Le Bris.
The perceived wisdom is that Sunderland sold their best player in the summer when Jack Clarke went to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.