Goalden boy Elliot targets quick return

ELLIOT Embleton hopes his goal against Luton Town has pressed his claim for a return to Sunderland’s starting XI at Huddersfield in midweek.

Academy graduate Embleton was rotated out of the side at Kenilworth Road, boss Tony Mowbray opting to bring in more physical players to cope with Luton’s strength and size.

However, the midfielder came off the bench in the second half and scored the goal in the final quarter-hour which earned his side a 1-1 draw.

Now he is looking ahead to

Wednesday’s trip to Huddersfield and a potential return to the starting line-up.

Embleton (pictured) said: “I just want to start as many games as I can and start as many but we have a good squad and rotated on Saturday.

“I came off the bench and got a goal so did what I could when I came on.

“There are a lot of games and you can only focus on the next game really. Hopefully I can start on Wednesday.”

Embleton’s goal – his second of the season – cancelled out Carlton Morris’ opener, which came in injury time at the end of the first period.

He added: “You don’t want to concede in any game just before half-time.

“It is an awful time to concede but we bounced back in the second half. It was always going to be a tough game coming here.

“It is a tight pitch, they get the ball forward and make you defend.

“If you weather that, there comes a point in the game where you have the chance to play your football and show them what we can do.

“Now we just have to stick together and it does not matter how hard it gets – I am sure the lads will keep working for each other and keep working for the club and the fans.”