Tony Mowbray is encouraged by Dan Neil’s absence this weekend.
In his pre-match press conference, Sunderland manager Jack Ross stated that missing the trip to Stoke City could be ‘beneficial’ for the midfielder.
Dan Neil had started all eleven Championship games for Sunderland this season and had been an important player before his contentious red card against Middlesbrough.
The midfielder was issued a second yellow card for foul language just before halftime and will now face a one-match suspension, ruling him out of the bitter reunion with Alex Neil.
Sunderland have few options to replace the vacuum left by Neil at the bet365 Stadium, but Mowbray believes it will benefit the 21-year-old.
“I said to him today, I’m looking forward to a rest,” Mowbray stated to the press.
“It’s good for him because he has three games this week.” It’s important for a young player to relax, put his feet up, watch football, and be ready for three days later when he’ll be needed.”
Sunderland will return to the Midlands next week for one of their hardest tests yet, hosting Leicester City, before returning to Wearside four days later to welcome Norwich.
Can Pierre Ekwah take Dan Neil’s place?
Dan Neil will be a significant loss to Sunderland this weekend after putting in some outstanding performances and contributing two goals and two assists.
The Black Cats will be praying that Pierre Ekwah is fit to participate, since the Frenchman appears to be the only alternative who can match his teammate’s quality. Sunderland are also short on defensive midfielders and do not want to show up to Stoke as vulnerable as they did against Boro.
Sunderland should not get too excited about this weekend’s showdown against Alex Neil, as the match at the Stadium of Light earlier this year ended disastrously.
Let’s just get a comfortable three points, welcome back Dan Neil, and move on to Leicester!
Leave a Reply