What Phil Parkinson has told Elliot Embleton about his Sunderland prospects as midfielder nears return

Embleton has not featured for the Black Cats since suffering a serious hamstring injury in the 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Sheffield United in September last year.

The attacking midfielder had started on the opening day against Oxford United, with Jack Ross expecting him to become a regular after an excellent loan spell at Grimsby Town.

Parkinson was equally enthusiastic about his prospects, but the 20-year-old suffered a series of setbacks in his comeback.

The Sunderland boss is hopeful that he has now come through that spell.

“It’s touch wood, because we’ve had a few false dawns with Elliot, but he does look in a better place to get back fully involved,” Parkinson said

“He’s done some of the training, he’s done some running with Nick Allamby this week and he’s progressing well.

“One thing is that over the last six, seven, eight weeks he’s done a lot of actually running.

“So physically, he’s in a good place, it’s just about getting him involved more in terms of the football.”

Embleton will not be considered for selection this week, but the break on the horizon following the trip to Blackpool next Saturday will work in his favour.

Competition for places is fierce but Parkinson is convinced he has something different to offer.

“I’ve said to him many times that there is a moment in him before the end of the season,” he said.

“I really do feel that with Elliot.

“He’s got that bit of craft and intelligence.

“That’s what I’ve seen in the footage I’ve watched from Grimsby games, I’ve seen a lot of those games where he has just shown that killer pass and that moment of quality.

“Games at this stage of the season are defined by key moments and I feel he’s got those in him.

“Hopefully we’ll get him pushing to be in the squad in the coming weeks, certainly after we play Blackpool, it won’t be before then, but certainly then we’ll have that break and if everything goes right, we’ll be looking at getting him back involved.”