Jack Ross has been outlining his plans for exciting Sunderland talent Bali Mumba and explaining why he's back with the Under 23 side, as reported by the Sunderland Echo.

The 17-year-old has seven senior appearances to his name, four of those coming in League One last season. He's been capped up to Under 18 level for England and made his full debut on the final day of their Championship relegation season.

Despite his first team experience, the Sunderland boss has spoken of keeping Mumba in the Under 23 setup throughout pre-season.

"At the moment, we've had him in the 23s for most of pre-season," confirmed Ross.

“Part of the reason is that I would like him to, last season we were a bit unfair to him because he was needed in and around the first team, and positionally he'd be playing a lot of different roles for the 23s.

“It kind of feels as if the stage he's at, we're looking quite hard at, 'what's his best position and how do we make him better at that'."

One possibility that Ross hasn't ruled out is a loan spell in the second part of the season. It worked for Elliot Embleton who got senior football for Grimsby last season and is expected to challenge for a first team squad place this campaign.

“At the moment the best place for that is the 23s. He still comes over with me sometimes and it's not ruling him out of that, and then maybe at the end of the year, we look at it and see if he's around us or whether he goes out on loan."

Mumba may have added to his senior tally in the Black Cats EFL Trophy run, but found his involvement cut to just two outings thanks to a clash with his international commitments.

The Verdict

Mumba is clearly a huge talent and how to bring him on is going to be a big question Ross has to answer.

Senior football is always a great way to develop a player, you only have to look at Embleton to see that. However, they must also be careful of not burning him out or asking too much, too soon.

It's a balancing act and Sunderland have to get it right. They're in the best position to do so though, they have a great academy and there isn't pressure to have him in the first team setup. How they progress is dictated by their plan for the player, not circumstances.

A loan spell in the second half of the season, perhaps to a National League side, would surely suit him best.