Former Sunderland star Danny Collins has backed Elliott Embleton to be the missing piece of Phil Parkinson's jigsaw.

The Black Cats have struggled for goals so far this term, meaning that an injection of creativity could be a huge boost to the misfiring forward line.

Embleton start Sunderland's opening game of the season against Oxford United but has only featured twice since then in the shape of two cameo appearances.

Collins, who knows Embleton from their time together at Grimsby Town last season, says that the 20-year-old could be just what is needed for Phil Parkinson's squad, but insists that the attacking midfielder will need to feel valued to see his best.

Speaking on The Roar Podcast, Collins said: “When he came in he was a young lad, very nervous and quiet, but he came out of his shell.

“He’s also got two good feet. If you asked me what position is his best, I’d say in the 10, just behind the striker.
“He manipulates the ball well and created a few goals for us and he wants to learn the game, he’d often stay after training with a bag of balls and practising freekicks.

"I spoke to him after the game (against Oxford United) and I think Elliot, as is the case with most young lads, is a confidence player.

"From getting the hook after an hour of the first game of the season to not starting or featuring for the next four or five drained his confidence a little bit.

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“I thought for Jack Ross, he was a little bit of an easy target, in terms of him subbing a young lad off, which keeps everybody else happy.” Embleton has been struggling for fitness in recent months but could be closing in on a return to action, something which Collins says could be a boost for the Black Cats. He said: "When I spoke to him he said he wasn’t that far off getting back on the training pitch.
“He’ll want to impress the new manager, there’s not too much creativity happening in behind Will Grigg and he’s certainly a player who can do that for the boys." The verdict Sunderland are in need of a fresh injection in attack, and Elliot Embleton is certainly an option. The Black Cats have looked like they are out of ideas in recent weeks, and while Charlie Wyke will be a welcome return it's always good to have another option in the pipeline.