Michael Beale has revealed that Elliot Embleton will make his return from injury by playing 45 minutes for Sunderland's Under-21 side tomorrow. He also says Dan Ballard is fine after a shoulder scare against Middlesbrough, and gave the latest update on Callum Styles.
EMBO FOR THE U21S
"Elliot Embleton will play in the B team tomorrow, 45 minutes so it's good to see Elliot back. After that he'll be available for selection which is really positive. I think we have to respect the fact he's missed a lot of football and give him a chance. Let's see how tomorrow night's 45 minutes go. There's one thing training with the group, there's another thing getting your bearings on a big pitch again and getting those lungs burning again."
IMPORTANT PLAYER
"They are all the things that Elliot has got to go through, but in terms of the training I've seen a player who can really add something to the team. He's a local boy as well and knows what it means to play for our team. "The last few months have been really frustrating for him. We feel our staff know his body here. We know him so it was important that he stayed here."
ALL ABOUT RYTHM
"We're in the second week in Feb so there's not a lot of the season to go, but the most important thing is that Elliot stays fit now and can then get rhythm back in his football. I think he's a player that does better with rhythm, most players are, when you are playing and get a rhythm. We know the technical ability we can bring to the group."
BALLARD IS FINE
"Dan will train tomorrow and providing there's no issues, he'll play tomorrow."
ROBERTS/MUNDLE/STYLES
"Paddy has had a few more days training into him which is a positive, and the same with Romaine. Callum Styles is back out running now, and will probably rejoin the group in the middle of next week providing everything goes to plan."
