Sunderland youngster Elliot Embleton moved on loan to Grimsby Town earlier this week.
Elliot Embleton has been tipped as a player who could emulate the likes of Jordan Henderson and Jordan Pickford on Wearside in League One this season.
But, after Sunderland manager Jack Ross made 12 new additions to his side this summer, many of which were midfielders, it was always going to be tough for the youngster to break into the first-team.
After departing Sunderland on loan for League Two side Grimsby Town, Ross has revealed why he wanted the player to leave in a recent interview with the Sunderland Echo.
When speaking about Embleton’s loan move, Ross said: “I’ve spoken to him quite a lot about it. We’ve kind of gone backwards and forwards, from both of our point of views, as to whether he should stay or go.
“But I have a duty of care with his progression and, though it is easy with hindsight, he could have gone out the second half of last season really. I think he’ll play at Grimsby, how they play will suit him.
“Having spoken to him regularly, he knows it’s not about shifting him out, out of sight, out of mind.”
Sunderland fans will be hopeful of seeing Embleton back on Wearside in the second tier if they get promoted from League One this term.
And the Black Cats can continue on the right track with a win against Oxford United this weekend, with the hosts looking to remain unbeaten.
The more momentum they build up in the weeks ahead, the better chance they will have of running away with a division they are desperate to climb out of.
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