Johnson delighted by Elliot’s progress on loan at Blackpool
Lee Johnson believes Sunderland's decision to loan out Elliot Embleton to Blackpool on deadline day is beginning to pay off for both player and club.
Embleton has become increasingly influential for Neil Critchley's side as they have soared into the play-off positions.
The 21-year-old's strong form brought an added bonus for his parent club last Tuesday night when he played a significant part in Blackpool's 3-1 win over Peterborough United, who are vying for promotion alongside the Black Cats.
Johnson has been in regular contact with Embleton during his loan spell so far, with the club taking up the option to extend his contract before he left in January.
"Absolutely [form is satisfying] and it's exactly the reason we put him there," Johnson said.
"We couldn't offer him as many minutes between now and the end of the season as we'd have liked, so it was best for him to go and do that at a good club who play the right way.
"And also, taking points off our promotion rivals!
"I've been in contact with him and he's really enjoying it.
"Ben Mansford who is CEO there was my old CEO at Barnsley, so we're in contact as well.
"Put it this way, we have to play them twice and I'm
pleased that he won't be available for them."
Blackpool boss Critchley said last week that he expects Embleton to play a major part in maintaining their push for promotion.
“I know how good Elliot is and how good his qualities are, so I’m not surprised how well he has slotted into the side lately,” Critchley said.
“I was quietly confident that he could play a big part for us and I think he’s proving what a good player he is.
“His last couple of performances have shown what he is about.
"Technically, he is very good, he links the play together well, he wants to score goals and he’s got a confidence and assurance about his play.
“He can create goals and is a goal threat, and between now and the end of the season I’m sure he’ll be a big player for us.”
Embleton has made nine appearances for the Tangerines, starting five of them.
Blackpool have lost just one of those games.