Chris Coleman impressed by Callum McManaman in Sunderland training

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Sunderland winger Callum McManaman has made just 12 starts this season.

Chris Coleman has told the Sunderland Echo that Callum McManaman has impressed him in Sunderland training.

McManaman has struggled to hold down a place in Sunderland’s starting line-up this term, with the winger often overlooked.

However, Coleman brought him back into Sunderland’s starting line-up against Reading, and the wide man caught the eye.

McManaman helped the Black Cats pick up a 2-2 draw against Paul Clement’s side.

And Coleman said: “He is a really good lad, he hasn’t always started, but nevertheless his attitude in training is first class, he always wants the team to do well.

“He has a genuine love for the game, he wants to play football, I was pleased for him.

“It is hard to play in that position when you haven’t had so many games, there’s a lot of running, he affected the game for us.”

McManaman has made just 12 league starts for Sunderland this term, and hasn’t made the impact many were hoping.

The former West Bromwich Albion man has just one goal and two assists to his name across the whole season.

McManaman could be utilised by Sunderland until the end of the campaign though, with the pressure on.

Coleman’s side are likely to need to win every one of their remaining matches to stand a chance of survival, with the Black Cats currently sat six points away from safety.