RLB ON ABDULLAHI

Ahmed Abdullahi has been training with the first team during pre-season and scored the fourth goal in our friendly win over South Shields at the weekend. The 21-year-old has suffered with injuries since signing for Sunderland, meaning he it yet to make a senior appearance for the club. Regis Le Bris wants to give Ahmed a fair chance to make an impression in pre-season before deciding whether it is best to loan him out or keep him involved for this Premier League campaign.

FULL PRE-SEASON BEHIND HIM

“We weren't able to see Ahmed last season because of injury, but now he is ready to start and it means he can have a full pre-season."

ASSESS THE POTENTIAL

"We'll get to know the real Ahmed, now. He is still very young, so we don't know exactly what his potential is. It will be interesting to see him through a full pre-season.”

HUGGINS SIMILAR

“Niall is ready to go. It was possible for him right at the end of last season to play, but we decided because of the injury that it was best to be safe and for him to just to start this pre-season.”

EARLY DECISIONS ON PLAYERS FOR SALE

"We'll see for every player. I told them that the first two weeks we are dedicated to connection. After that we'll have to be clear. Some of them need game time but if it's not possible for the squad in the Premier League it's not necessary to stay here. We'll decide early. It's the same for everyone, let's use these two first weeks to understand where they are exactly. Then we will decide for everyone."