Lee Johnson discusses the next steps for talented Sunderland duo Elliot Embleton and Dan Neil

Embleton endured a frustrating start to the season due to injury and has had limited gametime since Johnson's arrival at the club.

That had led to some speculation that with six months left on his current contract, the 21-year-old could be a potential outgoing in the January window.

The Sunderland head coach says the former England youth international has made a big impression on the training pitch, and that a chance to impress is nigh.

"I really like Elliot, he's been excellent," Johnson said.

"He's probably been the most hard-done by in my team selections at the moment.

"He will definitely get the chance, if not on Saturday then definitely on Tuesday, to go and show what he is about.

"If I've had ten training sessions so far here, let's say, I reckon he's been in the top three trainers at least four or five times.

"It wasn't a great start in terms of a first impression, but since then he's made a really good impression.

"He's knuckled down and showed his quality."

Johnson is, however considering a loan move for Dan Neil this month.

"It's the ones like Dan Neil who you look at, who I really like, but you look at his chances which might be limited between now and the end of the season and that becomes a possibility," Johnson said.

"Only for our long-term future, and his, because he's a player I like."

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