Sunderland boss and young loanee to make decision on future plans next week

Embleton is currently on loan at Grimsby Town, but the deal expires in January.

The 19-year-old has made a big impression and established himself as a regular in the team.

The Mariners are desperate to keep hold of him and given that he featured in the EFL Cup for Sunderland at the start of the campaign, he could not be loaned to another club.

Ross is a big fan of the young midfielder but will only keep him if he feels there is a genuine prospect of first team football between now and the end of the season.

"It's been difficult because of our schedule and his games to actually converse properly on it," Ross said.

"He's going to come in and train with me on Monday.

"Then we can have a chat.

"Grimsby obviously are desperate to have him back. We'll have a chat about what we think is best for him both for the remainder of the season and for progressing his career.

"The last thing I want to do is bring him back and then not play him," Ross added.

"It's a balance because of the players we have in that area.

"It's so important he plays and he's responded really well to that at Grimsby."

Earlier this week Embleton admitted that he would be more than happy to extend his stay.

He has four goals and a number of assists in 16 appearances.

"I got into the team and, since then, I’ve been chipping away by getting goals and getting assists," he said.

"I’ve been playing well and I’m happy with my performances.

"I just want to do my bit to stay in the team.

“I’ve still got to have a meeting with my manager at Sunderland and we will take it from there.

“I came here for game-time and I’ve loved it. Now that I’m in the team, creating and scoring goals I love it even more.

“If I do come back I would have no problems with that.”