Amid Romaine Mundle’s emotions, Regis Le Bris admits Sunderland penalty takers have open discussions.

The Black Cats have missed four out of five spot-kicks this season and Luke O’Nien became the latest to fail, against Millwall, last time out.

There was an argument as to who would take it as Romaine Mundle wanted to and Le Bris admitted, “it got emotional.”

But after clear-the-air talks, the head coach said the matter is resolved although he wouldn’t reveal who the designated taker is.

“It might be a blessing in disguise,” reasoned Le Bris on ‘penalty gate’. In those circumstances, we are aware this part of the game is very important.

“I want to see the positive outcome of the situation which is really usual again. It has affected the outcome of different games, for example at Burnley [when Wilson Isidor missed two], I think it was clear.

“We are still in a good place, the play-offs at the end of the season are not done but the dynamic is positive and we know we have to improve this part of our game so we started last week and we spoke a lot with the players about how we can manage this situation properly. And it will be a good topic in the changing room.”

Regarding Mundle he added: “It was emotional and we need emotions. I think it’s positive but sometimes it’s negative and we have to deal with it.

“So it’s not a problem. At least they are involved and they want to score. Of course we have opponents and they can make a save. So we will make a decision and it will be clear.

“We have young players, they are really well connected, they want to score and be an important part of the side, the negative side can be too emotional, and you have to deal with that later so we spoke a lot about it and it’s solved and we move on.

“After every missed penalty we can analyse but on the pitch it’s more difficult because it’s a tense situation. I repeat we want to learn and I hope it will be a positive outcome at the end of the season.”