Jack Ross has been praising midfielder Elliot Embleton after his performances on their pre-season tour of Portugal last week, as reported by the Sunderland Echo.

The Black Cats are due back in the country in the early part of this week as they prepare for another season in League One. They've played two matches on their tour, drawing 0-0 with Benfica's B side then losing 1-0 to top flight outfit Belenenses.

Whilst there hasn't been any goals for Ross' side, there have been plenty of positive aspects to their time away. Both Aiden McGeady and Max Power have moved closer to full fitness and Elliot Embleton has got minutes under his belt.

The young midfielder recently signed a new deal after spending a season out on loan with Grimsby Town. His outings for the Mariners certainly caught the eye and Ross is delighted to have seen the same sort of form being carried over into his early Sunderland performances.

Speaking of Embleton's role alongside Duncan Watmore and Will Grigg, Ross said;

“I thought the balance up front was really good. I was pleased with Will, Duncan was really good and Elliot has been terrific since he came back for pre-season.

“You can see what he provides in the final third. I was pleased with that.”

20-year-old Embleton has been capped by England up to Under 20 level and played 27 times for Michael Jolley's Grimsby Town last season, scoring three goals.

The Verdict

Embleton is a player who is certainly one to watch this season. He almost demanded a first team chance before he signed a new deal and has confidence in his own ability.

He might just be what Sunderland need. They've lacked the drive from the midfield of late and arguably a lack of creativity behind the main striker cost them dearly last season.

It's one thing doing it without pressure away in Portugal though, entirely another in front of 32,000 dissatisfied fans at the Stadium of Light.

If he does transition effortlessly into the first team and brings a certain level of creativity, he might just overtake both Lynden Gooch and George Honeyman in the first-team picture.