Inside the talks that secured Dan Neil's Sunderland future and what comes next for talented youngster

A goal from Sam Greenwood felt inevitable as he returned to Wearside for the first time since joining Leeds United from Arsenal in a seven-figure deal.

Three goals just felt a little cruel.

It was quite the display from Greenwood. A deft chip to open the scoring, a stunning free-kick to double it, and an emphatic finish on his weaker foot to put the game out reach.

His performance underlined the challenges for Sunderland's Academy, both out of their control and within it.

Alongside Greenwood in the Leeds United strikeforce was Joe Gelhardt, another seven-figure acquisiton that underlines the disparity in budgets between Sunderland and their Premier League rivals.

Leeds, in particular, are a growing threat on the doorstep, investing heavily and having the additional attraction of offering the chance to catch the eye of Marcelo Bielsa.

Greenwood's performance, however, was also a reminder of some self-inflicted woes.

A reminder of the talent drain in the Madrox era that significantly weakened the key age groups and will almost certainly have long-term repercussions.

This feeling was only strengthened a day later, when Joe Hugill and Logan Pye were selected in Manchester United's U21 side to face Rochdale in the EFL Trophy.

Hugill, incidentally, has also just won a call-up to the England U18 side.

Wednesday evening, though, also brought some welcome good news.

Dan Neil is a player whose quality and potential puts him firmly in the category of the players mentioned.

The summer brought interest from Leeds United, and Wolves, amongst others.

A three-year deal represents a welcome and valuable investment on Sunderland's part, reflecting both Neil's excellence in seizing his pre-season moment, and a shift in emphasis behind the scenes that has made strengthening the upper age groups a belated priority.

EFL Trophy games and a packed fixture schedule looms, giving Neil the chance to take his development to the next stage.

Though there has been disappointment at a lack of league action so far in the current campaign, it was only a stubbed toe that prevented Neil taking a place on the bench for the win over Peterborough United.

"It's an important signing for us that sends a message to the young players in the Academy that we want to keep our best young players," Parkinson said.

"It's been difficult times, we know that, but Dan is a good player and I like him a lot.

"Supporters want to see youngsters in the team and it's great for the club, but they've got to earn it as well. "You don't want to play someone for people to then see he's not quite ready.

"But when they're ready, when the games come thick and fast and the opportunities arise, it's can they take it?

"But Dan trains with the first team all the time and he's done really well, so he deserves the contract and it's good business from the club's point of view as well."

News of Neil's first professional deal was not a major bolt from the blue.

Interest from other clubs there may well have been, yet this never developed into anything like a saga.

Parkinson signalled Neil's intent in pre-season, revealing after another impressive cameo against Carlisle United that the 18-year-old had told his manager that the intention was to stay on Wearside.

By now, Neil was impressing staff and team-mates alike, his positon firmly established.

Straightforward contract talks made good on his earlier words.

"I feel he's done well in pre-season and he's a good young player," Parkinson explained.

"There was obviously interest in him from other clubs, but we sat down and spoke to him about getting his contract situation resolved so that he can focus on his football.

"I think that's so important for Dan.

"His agent sat down with Jim Rodwell to sort it out, and they were both very straightforward people to deal with.

“I'm delighted.

"We've got to get our best young players signed to long contracts, the ones we really think have a chance and Dan really falls into that category.

"Now, is challenge is to push one of the senior boys out of the team or edge himself closer to first-team selection.

"Dan has got a burning desire to play for Sunderland," Parkinson added.

"That is great for us to hear and he's got a great chance of achieving that."

The challenge for Neil now is to take his chances, the next of which seems certain to come on Tuesday night when Carlisle United visit the Stadium of Light in the EFL Trophy.

Everything we have seen so far from this talented youngster, with a rare composure on the ball and a wonderful weight of pass, suggests he is ready to make his mark.

For his club, there remains much to be done in rebuilding a set-up that has so suffered.

Paul Reid's departure (and that of Richard Hill, an ever closer ally of owner Stewart Donald) reflected a change in emphasis and a recognition of the need for a new approach.

Jim Rodwell said talent retention would be a key part of the new Academy Manager's remit, though that position remains vacant months after Reid's departure.

We have, though, seen evidence of Parkinson sticking to his word to field the strongest U23 sides he possible can.

Neil, now sporting the captain's armband, is central to that until January at least, when his position will be reassessed and a loan potentially considered.

"It's a process of improving the quality at all age groups," Parkinson said.

"There's been a knock-on effect and we all know, and the academy knows, that we've got to keep our best players and attract the best quality players that we possibly can.

"Ultimately the academy is such an important part of the future of this football club."

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