Sunderland boss hails impact of substitutes in victory over U’s
Alex Neil said Elliot Embleton's late winner underlined the importance of Sunderland's substitutes.
Embleton had come to produce a vital assist in stoppage time against Gillingham last week and made an even bigger impact at the Kassam Stadium, his 89thminute goal lifting the Black Cats back into the play-off positions with five games to play.
Neil admitted afterwards that the 23-year-old is giving him a selection dilemma ahead of the Easter fixtures, and praised his mentality for dealing with the disappointment of not being handed a place in the starting XI.
Fellow substitute Danny Batth also had a key impact on the game as he defended a number of late crosses into the box, while Luke O'Nien was also involved in the build-up to the winning goal at the Kassam Stadium.
"I said to Elliot afterwards, his importance and the importance of all the substitutes is going to be crucial between now and the end of the season," Neil admitted.
"If you look at the last three or four matches, we wouldn't have the points we've got if it wasn't for the lads coming off the bench and impacting the game.
"I cannot stress enough how important these lads are.
"It's difficult to keep these lads motivated and
their minds focused because they're disappointed not be starting.
"But time and time again, they are making a difference so they are obviously in a good enough mindset
to come on and impact the team.
"What I'm saying to them right now is although it might not be your time to shine from the start right now, it might be next week or the week after.
"If you speak to the senior lads who have been involved in promotion-winning squads, they will tell you that every player is so crucial and they need to keep their minds clear, to focus on the job at hand.
"It's about a team ethic, and that's got to be first and foremost.
"That's the quality Elliot has got, he is technically excellent, a really, really good player, and I am delighted for him to get that winning goal."
Embleton now has thirteen goals/assists for the league season.