Sunderland simply being cautious with loan star Vokins, says Johnson

Lee Johnson has revealed the reasoning behind Jake Vokins’ recent absence from the Sunderland set-up.

The 21-year-old is on loan to the Black Cats from Southampton, but hasn't appeared for the first team since midMarch.

There have been some concerns of an ECG test Vokins underwent in the aftermath of having the coronavirus, though Sunderland are confident there will be no medium to long-term issues.

"Jake was the one who picked up COVID," Johnson said.

"After having a very good game at Accrington Stanley away he then started to feel quite poorly.

"Southampton then arranged an ECG and there was a slight flicker on that.

"He probably just needs a week to settle down.

"The plan is for him to have another one next week and we'll sort of go from there in terms of his return-to-play protocol.

"I don't think he'll be out long because he looks fine and feels fine, he's frustrated more than anyone because he feels good but it's obviously the right thing to do because it's all so unprecedented.

"We don't think it's a big problem, all his previous

ECG's medicals have been good, so we're not panicking.

"It just makes sense [to take [precautions]."

Meanwhile, Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips says Stuart Harvey would be a positive appointment for the club.

The Blackburn Rovers man is said to be joining the Black Cats as head of recruitment at the end of the month.

“Adam Armstrong is one that stands out, Harvey Elliott on loan as well,” Phillips told Football Insider.

“They have both been excellent.

“It is another positive step for Sunderland and it sounds like they are working really hard in the background.

“They are bringing in people from elsewhere to oversee key footballing decisions, so it is a positive sign for me. It can only benefit the club.

“Hopefully, when he does come in he gets the signings right, whoever he’s advising.

“Ultimately, and maybe I am a bit old-fashioned, it should be down to Lee Johnson who comes in.

"You hope that the players will not be brought in over his head because ultimately Lee has to work with them on a daily basis. I believe the manager should always have the final say.”