Keeper Evtimov sends message to Wyke

Burton Albion goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov has wished Charlie Wyke a ‘speedy recovery’.

The pair were involved in a ferocious collision near the half-time mark, with Wyke stretchered off and later leaving the ground on crutches. The game had been Evtimov’s debut after Burton had signed him on an emergency short-term deal on Friday. The Bulgarian wrote on twitter: “Really happy with the win today! Not an easy debut against strong Sunderland side, but the boys did really well and fought till the end! I hope that the injury of the Sunderland player I had a collision with, it’s not bad and wish him a speed recovery.” Many Sunderland supporters felt the goalkeeper should have seen red for his challenge, the 25-year-old well out of his goal and seemingly out of control as he flew in to challenge Wyke. Sunderland manager Jack Ross admitted losing Wyke would be a major blow but felt that on reflection, the referee was right not to punish Evtimov.

Brewers boss Nigel Clough, meanwhile, felt his Burton side should have won the game more comfortably.

He said: “It was another good game. We’ve been involved in a few in the last few weeks, and I thought that was up there.

“It was two teams going at it hammer and tongs, not always the best quality at times - but I thought the endeavour and honesty and everything shone out.

“I thought we should’ve won it more comfortably because of the start to the second half.

“I thought in that five or six minutes just after half-time, we should’ve scored a goal or two and put the game to bed.

“But unfortunately they then go up the other end, it’s one shot from 20-odd yards and it’s in the top corner and it’s a different game. If we’d have just finished one of those chances at the start of the second half, it would’ve been more comfortable for us.”