Hull City vs Sunderland: Everything Tony Mowbray said on transfers, Ross Stewart and Dan Ballard
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That’s after the Black Cats lost against West Brom last time out at the Stadium of Light on Monday despite taking a first-half lead through an Amad Diallo penalty.
The Baggies turned it around in the second half to take the three points on Wearside and leave Tony Mowbray’s men empty-handed on a chilly night in the North East.
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Hide AdComing into the game Sunderland striker Ross Stewart was thought to be close to making the bench but the striker suffered a minor setback. Dan Ballard, though, is nearing a return after he played for the club’s under-21 side.
Head coach Mowbray is set to face the media at 12:30pm today ahead of Sunderland’s trip to Hull City, with Stewart and Ballard high on the agenda. We’ll have LIVE updates as they happen here in our blog:
Tony Mowbray press conference LIVE: Hull City trip, Dan Ballard and Ross Stewart high on the agenda
Key Events
- Sunderland face Hull City in the Championship away from home on Saturday (3pm)
- Tony Mowbray is holding his pre-match presser at the Academy of Light at 12:30pm today
- The Black Cats lost their last fixture against West Brom at the Stadium of Light
- Mowbray is expected to be asked about the fitness situation of Dan Ballard and Ross Stewart
On West Brom
We were disappointed. We had spells in the game. That’s the league. Against some of the bigger teams it can be difficult. You could feel their quality. It came down to moments.
How is Dan Ballard getting on?
Dan Ballard has thanked fans for their support as he targets a first team return at Sunderland.
The former Arsenal defender had been out for more than four months after suffering a foot injury.
On Monday afternoon, the 22-year-old – who took part in the recent warm weather training camp in Dubai – played an hour in the Premier League Cup group stage game against Reading with Sunderland 2-1 winners, Tom Scott and Harrison Sohna with the goals.
And now he is targeting a first team return.
Ballard, praising the medical team, told the club website: “There has been a lot of ups and downs. They have put in so much work that not a lot of people see and they probably don’t know how appreciative I am. The fans have done a lot for me as well so I am really appreciative of it.”
On his return, he added: “I felt really good. Their striker was a good player and gave me a good test which was what I needed.
“All the lads played really well and I was impressed with the quality of the under-21’s. I tried to do everything maximally and push myself to the limit. It was a good workout and a good game.
“With injuries, it always gives you time to work on other stuff especially in the gym. I am just hoping I have used the time wisely and I can come back and, after a few games, be fitter and stronger than I was before.”
Sunderland, beaten by West Bromwich Albion at the Stadium of Light on Monday night are back in Championship action on Saturday, they travel to Hull City.
This is what Mowbray said about Stewart post-West Brom
“If Ross isn’t ready in his mind, and not fit, then he’s not ready,” explained Mowbray after the match.
“We have to deal with that, and we’ve dealt with it for the last three-and-a-bit months. I don’t see that we should be gambling with Ross Stewart if he’s feeling some discomfort in the area where he’s been injured.
“He played 60 minutes midweek in a bounce game, and I think he just felt a bit delicate after that game. He didn’t feel anything during it, but we’re just taking that precaution of not forcing him into a situation where he damages it.
“We’ll give it as long as it needs, but hopefully that’s only for days rather than weeks.
“The practice game was Wednesday, and he was cooling down on the Thursday and just said he felt something. There haven’t been many training days since then.
“He didn’t train on Saturday or Sunday because he just said he was feeling something. It’s not something we need to scan or anything. The medical department aren’t too worried about it.
“It’s really a conversation with the boy, and if he’s a bit uncomfortable, why would we throw him in? Why would you throw him in, and then he comes after the game and he’s torn where he’s feeling a bit of discomfort?
“I just think you’ve got to let things settle down. He hadn’t played any football for more than three months, then he played 60 minutes in a game we controlled him in.
“He scored, looked sharp and is ready to go. He didn’t complain of anything during the game, and came off after 60 minutes feeling a million dollars. But then the next day, he was just feeling a bit tight and stiff.
“Give him a day or two to settle down, and hopefully he’ll be feeling fine.”
