Graeme Murty lauds impact of Sunderland gem after Huddersfield triumph
Sunderland Under-21 boss Graeme Murty has spoken out about the impact of one particular Black Cats star after the 7-0 thrashing of Huddersfield Town.
Sunderland Under-21’s have had a campaign full of highs and lows but as of late, it has been more of the former with the result against the Terriers a showcase of that.
The Mackems were ruthless in front of goal, making it 12 goals scored by the Black Cats in their last two league encounters, following the 5-0 hammering of Wolves.
Trey Ogunsuyi has been the usual star when it comes to scoring goals at that level, but as another player returns to fitness, his impact has been telling.
Ahmed Abdullahi the focus of fresh praise from Graeme Murty
Abdullahi, having joined from Gent last summer in a deal rumoured to be worth £2.5million, has spent the majority of that time on the sideline but his recent inclusion in the Under-21 side has not only aided his recovery but also provided him with a real platform to build from.
The Nigerian forward bagged a hattrick against Huddersfield, with Murty impressed with the impact he has had when speaking to the Sunderland Echo (12 February).
“He looks fitter, he looks stronger,” Murty said. “I think he looks more confident in himself and his body. I think that whenever we can provide an opportunity at the end stage of rehab to instil confidence in a player who’s been out for a period, in their body, in what they’re trying to do, it’s a really good thing for us.
“I think the goals are a bonus. The goals, you can see him actually coming alive when he’s starting to trust what he’s doing and he’s getting that reward. For a forward player, I think particularly getting a hat-trick tonight is going to be really good for him.”
Ahmed Abdullahi could be a promotion wildcard
Wilson Isidor has certainly surpassed expectations on Wearside, but a lack of direct competition has been somewhat of a concern in recent weeks.
With Jayden Danns unavailable through injury after his loan signing, the emergence of Abdullahi back to fitness could be a huge boost for the Black Cats if his recent performances are anything to go by.
The forward has showcased a high level of physicality and the ability to find the back of the net which has at times been a concern for the Wearsiders in close contests.
If he can replicate those attributes at senior level, he could have a big role to play in the remainder of the campaign with Sunderland still in the promotion picture.
With several players due to come back from injury, the Black Cats can have a real final push to achieve a top-two finish with a cushion already present on the top six.