Jeremain Lens: Dick Advocaat's Sunderland exit no issue for winger

Jeremain Lens was part of the Sunderland side that won the derby against Newcastle for a sixth time in a row

Netherlands winger Jeremain Lens has said coach Dick Advocaat's Sunderland exit has not compromised his commitment to the club.

Lens, 27, reunited with his compatriot on arrival at Sunderland this summer from Dynamo Kiev, after spells together at AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven.

Advocaat left after eight Premier League games on 4 October and was replaced by Sam Allardyce.

"I didn't only make my choice to join for the boss," he told BBC Newcastle.

"Otherwise I have to follow him everywhere," Lens added.

"It was not the way I hoped it would start. But anything can happen in football. If results aren't there the manager is the first person they're going to sack."

Jeremain Lens has made 10 appearances for Sunderland this season

Lens played under Advocaat at Alkmaar from 2009-2010, and for the Dutchman at PSV Eindhoven between 2012-2013.

Meanwhile, Lens has said Sunday's derby win against Newcastle is only the beginning of a potential Premier League revival.

Lens was part of the Wearsiders' team that triumphed 3-0 at the Stadium of Light on Sunday as they won their first league game of the season.

It lifted them above their north-east neighbours to 18th place, and made it six derby wins in a row - a new record.

"It's too soon to say that but with three points everything can change," Lens added.