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.
"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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