MANAGER Russell Martin accepted responsibility for his side’s 5-0 defeat at Sunderland and insisted struggling debutant Mason Holgate will be “totally fine”.

Holgate, signed on loan from Everton over a week ago to offer defensive competition, was substituted after 64 minutes at Stadium of Light.

The 26 year old’s loss of possession outside the box and miskick inside the area on a Sunderland cross accounted for two of the five goals.

Holgate has come under fire from supporters for his horror debut but manager Martin spoke in his defence after the match.

“It’s my fault for playing Mason so early, he’s only been here for a week,” he told the Daily Echo.

“I actually thought he would handle the atmosphere a lot better than some of the other options we had there.

“Shea Charles can feel a bit aggrieved to not start today for sure. That’s on me completely,” Martin admitted.

“Mason has got a great mentality and it’s our job as a coaching staff to make sure he improves, me included, but he will be totally fine.

“I hope the social media stuff doesn’t influence the players. It really fluctuates from game to game. It’s my job to support players and help them through any moments."