GRANT’S BACK LEADBETTER THAN EVER

Boss Parkinson’s tribute to a superb comeback

GRANT LEADBITTER was given time away from being a footballer last season as he battled personal problems.

But seven months later the 34-year-old midfielder has emerged as a key man for Phil Parkinson.

Leadbitter kept his personal business private, proved himself all over again in training this summer and was rewarded with a matchwinning penalty in the 81st minute.

Defender Tom Flanagan says Leadbitter’s trials inspired a vociferous celebration with teammates, and boss Parkinson says he is so sharp and fit he can control the game at times.

Back in February Parkinson gave him leave of absence and Flanagan said: “With Grant, we know the hard time he has been through.

“He has come back and he hasn’t wanted a sob story, he hasn’t wanted an arm round him, he has got himself in the team and he deserves the goal and the plaudits. That is what celebration was for.

“It was great for Grant to score as well as a great time to score.”

It was Leadbitter’s first goal for Sunderland for 11 years, after he left in 2009 and returned ned in January last year.

Parkinson (right) said: d: “Grant has come back in great mental and physical shape.”

Sunderland are grinding out a solid start t to their third season in League One, with promotion otion a must after two near-misses.

Their campaign will be founded on industry and what looks like an organised, mean back three with energetic wing-backs.

The question mark might be if they can score enough goals and find the rampant form two sides the hit at some point. Flanagan added: “We have nous, and gamemanagement in an experienced squad. That’s two clean sheets now and we have been good. I like the back three. We are in a good place.” Fuming Darren Ferguson branded the penalty award as a “disgrace” and “an appalling decision.” He sought out ref Scott Oldham, who ruled Jack Taylor had fouled Denver Hume, for a disc discussion after the game. But he also warned Peterborough have to be more ruthless in front of goal and take their chances when t they are on top. F Ferguson said: “Our perfo performance levels are fine, but we have to score.

“The ref should never have given the penalty. My player has been fouled. It was a foul on Jack.

“Jack was the best player on the pitch. He took the ball, dominated his position and gave them problems.”