Jack in the box

CLASSY CLARKE GIVES BOSS LE BRIS FLYING START

- Graham Thomas

JACK CLARKE teased, tormented and finally put dozy Cardiff to sleep to give Sunderland’s new French boss Regis Le Bris a super start to the season.

Clarke had been a rare focus of quality in a low-grade match, which Sunderland were happy to cruise through after taking an 18th-minute lead through Luke O’Nien.

Former Leeds and Tottenham youngster Clarke came alive again near the end to settle the contest after being fed by the impressive Jobe Bellingham.

It meant the best possible start for Le Bris, but a hint of struggles to come for his opposite number Erol Bulut.

Cardiff were toothless, rudderless as well as goalless and Aaron Ramsey – a missing component with injuries last season – looked well off the pace.