Mannone was one of several first-team players in action for Sunderland’s under-23s.
Sunderland coach Robbie Stockdale has said that Vito Mannone will feel better for his return to action, as the Italian made his comeback from an elbow injury in the under-23s’ 2-1 win over Notts County in the Checkatrade Trophy, the Chronicle reports.
Mannone has not featured for the Black Cats since a 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough in August, after which he sustained his injury in training.
Last night represented a huge step on the comeback trail, and he is likely to compete with Jordan Pickford to reclaim his place back in the side.
Stockdale is quoted in the Chronicle, saying: “Really pleased for him. His first game back, he will feel great for playing that, I’m sure.
“It is a proper competition for us, we are treating this as so. We are treating it very seriously.
“Vito coming back and the other seniors, Seb playing the full game, Donald (Love) I thought was good in different positions and Jason (Denayer) in midfield was something we wanted to look at.”
It is a massive positive for Sunderland as the first-team have experienced many injury problems this season, and getting some minutes under the belts of several players is welcome for manager David Moyes.
The competition for places should be that bit more sterner, and Moyes will welcome the options available to him as he looks to build on his side’s first win of the season following the international break.
With regards to the goalkeeper, it will be interesting to see what he will do there.
Jordan Pickford has not done a great deal wrong, and his talents have been recognised with a call-up to the England squad this season, so it will be a little harsh for him to be dropped for Mannone. The Italian is going to have earn his return to the side in the coming weeks.
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