Stephen Elliott: How long before Jack Diamond and Dan Neil are handed Sunderland chance?

Phil Parkinson seems happier to rely on the tried and tested members of his squad.

Although this proved the correct decision for the Oxford clash, last week I mentioned how pace is king in football.

In Diamond, there’s a player who has that bit of genuine speed that can frighten opposing teams.

In certain games if things aren’t going to plan, I feel he could offer another dimension to our attacking phases. For this reason, I think he should warrant a place on the bench at least.

Unfortunately, in the last couple of games he has been overlooked.

Last season, during his loan spell at Harrogate, he forged a good reputation after some excellent performances.

I hope another loan move is not on the cards, but if he is made available, I’ve no doubt there would be a queue of football league clubs eager to get hold of his signature.

Hopefully, with a bit of patience we will see him further down the line in red and white.

He certainly has some of the key attributes to be a Diamond in the rough.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Our aim is to provide you with the best coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package: sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports.