What Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray said about Jack Diamond recall - and Ellis Taylor plans

A report in the national media over the weekend said that the head coach wanted to bring the 22-year-old back to the club given his impressive form in League One. Diamond has eight goals in 24 appearances across all competition so far this season.

The Black Cats opted not to bring Diamond back for the third round win over Shrewsbury Town and ahead of that game, Mowbray said it had not been a discussion in the early part of the window.

Diamond could of course return later this month but Mowbray made clear that it would be a decision made on the advice of the coaching staff and Sporting Director, who know the player better than he does.

"I'm guided really by the coaching staff and by Kristjaan [Speakman] on Jack Diamond really," Mowbray said.

"It isn't something that we've spoken about and considered - it may be something that has been discussed by the technical board. As the guy on the grass working with the players we've got, we haven't really [spoken about it]."

Mowbray is currently assessing Ellis Taylor after the youngster's return from a challenging loan spell at Hartlepool United.

Taylor was not eligible to take a place in the matchday squad on Saturday as his loan at Victoria Park has not officially finished, but he is training with Mowbray's group before a decision is made on his next steps.

He has been registered for selection when his loan does conclude later this month.

"Ellis Taylor is now back, and it looks to me like he's got a good left foot and a good engine - a tidy footballer," Mowbray said.

"So we'll see how grows and develops, and whether he can get involved."

Sunderland's forward options will likely evolve over the course of this window, with Mowbray eager to add more competition and cover for Ross Stewart in the final third.

He has also confirmed that he wants to add cover and competition in midfield, after Jay Matete left to join Plymouth Argyle on loan last week.