The 19-year-old is a hot prospect on Sunderland’s books and has played a major part in the Black Cats’ past under-23 success.
Sunderland boss Jack Ross will be hoping to guide his side to League One promotion next season as the Black Cats are set to embark on life in the third tier for the first time in 30 years.
The former St Mirren manager has already suggested that certain youngsters within their ranks could play a major role in Sunderland’s eventual success or failure in League One next term.
And, with suggestions that some of Sunderland’s biggest prospects may not be at the club next season, it could be time for 42-year-old Ross to call on some of the Black Cats’ unproven young talents.
19-year-old Elliot Embleton only featured once in Sunderland’s Championship campaign last season, with the youngster’s appearance coming against eventual Championship winners Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The central midfielder, who was born on Wearside, played a big part in Sunderland’s 0-0 draw with the Championship winners and praise was heaped on the youngster when the Black Cats nicked a point at Molineux.
However, despite only featuring once for Sunderland last season, the youngster could still play a major role in what is a pivotal year in their history.
Embleton possesses a fine set of attributes that could help Sunderland in their pursuit for the League One title, including excellent footwork, passing which can unlock a defence and, arguably most importantly for the third tier, an ability to hold off midfielders despite being below six foot.
Former Black Cats boss Chris Coleman suggested earlier this year in the latter stages of his Sunderland tenure that Embleton may be better suited to the lower divisions in England and, now they find themselves in League One, the Durham born man should be utilised by Ross.
Embleton has featured at every age group for not only Sunderland but at international level with England and his experience of playing football at a range of age groups could give the player a cutting edge next season.
The Sunderland youngster will certainly need a group of experienced players around him next season and some of Sunderland’s recent signings give a good indication that Ross’s side will be a mixture of both youth and experience.
However, Embleton has to be considered as a starter in the Scotsman’s side next season, not only because of his tag as a big prospect on Wearside, but also because of the lack of central midfielders currently in the Sunderland squad.
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