While he is a massively talented player, Tony Mowbray is wary of running Amad into the ground, and believes he could benefit from a rest in this tough schedule...
WEEK IN WEEK OUT
"I wouldn't criticise Amad. I'd struggle to pick a team without Amad, although he went through a really hot spell where he scored just about every game for a few weeks. I still think he massively contributes to our team and the way we function, even though he's a kid who had never played regular football really - he played handful of games for Atalanta, a handful at Man United, went to Rangers on loan and didn't play much, and then came here. It's the first time ever in his life that he has played men's football week-in, week-out, and it will be very demanding on him."
BREAK
"It's not surprising that sometimes he doesn't quite hit the pinnacle of his brilliance that he can bring, because he's been playing just about every three days. Could he do with a break? I tried to give him a break [at QPR] but it was only for an hour or so and then he came on and made an impact, just as Patrick [Roberts] did at Rotherham this week."
NOT ROBOTS
"I keep saying it, but players are human beings and not robots. They can't keep on producing and churning it out for 90 minutes every three days, they do need a break, they do need to sit on the bench for an hour, or they do need to come off after 60 minutes. Just so they can take a gulp of air and get ready for the next one."
CREATIVE THREAT
"I often say to players 'just give Amad the ball' because he makes good decisions, he doesn't lose it, he does something that allows us to go and attack and score and be creative. I say that to the defenders or the midfielders."
AMAD/ROBERTS/ROONEY
"I always believe that the talent wins you football matches, that's why great players become great players. Wayne Rooney was a superstar at Manchester United because he could do things that other people can't do. And here at Sunderland, Amad and Patrick Roberts do things that normal footballers don't do, so I want the team to work the ball to certain areas to give it to the players that can make a difference. We should be delighted that they are here and helping our team be successful."
