Sunderland striker Michael Chopra repaid his manager's faith in him by coming off the bench to score a brace late in the game as Sunderland secured a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Roy Keane had expressed his confidence that the 24-year striker will come good for the club after spending some time in a private clinic citing personal problems and will be delighted with the response shown by the former Newcastle United striker as it was his goals that propelled the Black Cats to their second league win this season.

It was a disappointing result for Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate who had seen his side dominate the possession for much of the match but Boro were thwarted from scoring by some brilliant saves by keeper Craig Gordon.

Sunderland were pegged back in the half right from the kick off as Boro looked to put the game beyond their reach by the half time. The Black Cats were content to let the visitors dominate the possession and looked to hit them on the counter.

Boro's first real chance in the first half fell to Stewart Downing who latched on to a deflected free kick but Gordon pulled off a brilliant save to deny the winger. The Scotland keeper was in action minutes later when he denied Afonso Alves after the Brazilian striker was released by a great through ball from Adam Johnson.

The visitors had a great chance to put the game beyond Sunderland's reach late in the game when they were awarded a penalty after Jeremie Aliadiere was fouled in the box by Nyron Nosworthy but Downing blazed his chance high over the bar.

The miss galvanized Sunderland into action and were soon in the lead when Chopra, who replace Tainio just before half time, coolly slotted the ball past Ross Turnbull after being played in by Kieran Richardson in the 81st minute. The former Cardiff City striker was in action in the injury time when a swift counter attack by Sunderland saw Steed Malbranque in possession inside the Boro penalty box and the midfielder passed the ball for Chopra who was left with a simple tap in.