The Sunderland midfielder was needlessly sent off against Wolverhampton Wanderers but it could give another player his chance.
Lee Cattermole’s experience should ensure he is guiding Sunderland’s next generation through a tough Championship campaign. However his latest red card was foolish in the extreme and could have ended the Black Cats’ hopes of securing one of their most impressive results of the campaign.
Thankfully for Sunderland boss Chris Coleman, his players held out for a 0-0 draw against league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers, but it was more in spit of Cattermole than because of him.
Sunderland held out for half an hour with just 10 men, with Coleman sending on youngster Elliot Embleton for his first-team debut in injury-time, and one wonders if the former Black Cats skipper’s latest indiscretion could open the door for the 18-year-old to make his first start this weekend.
After all, Sunderland are looking for a player to step in for the suspended Cattermole and the teenager may be that player, as versatile as he is.
Next up for Coleman’s side is a home match against Fulham and he will be desperate to build on the impressive draw and get three more points on the board.
Embleton can play anywhere in the midfield, including a holding role, and if the Sunderland boss is brave, he could make something positive out of the negative of yet another red card for a player really should know better.
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