Lee Johnson issues message on Dan Neil’s emergence at Sunderland | OneFootball

Dan Neil has been one of the breakout stars of the League One season so far which will be very pleasing for Lee Johnson, handing the youngster his first regular first team opportunities and having his faith repaid with a thunderbolt opener in their last match.

Johnson paid tribute to the 19-year-old’s strength of character when he spoke to the Northern Echo.

He said: “I’m delighted, but first and foremost, I’m delighted for him. It can be difficult when you’re in that sort of grey zone. You’re almost too good for the Under-23s, but not quite a regular for the first team.

“That takes a lot of resilience and mental strength to come through, and obviously we’ve all got lives outside of football too. There’s a lot that can go on in any young player’s life.”

Love the EFL? Want to share your opinions about your club? Get involved by subscribing to FLW TV on Youtube HERE!

Luke O’Nien is a dream player to have alongside you in central midfield in looking to get up to speed in League One and Neil’s relationship with him should only improve as the season progresses.

Even filling in at left back, Neil has been impressive this term and it is testament to Johnson that he has developed so well in pre-season for him to hit the ground running at the start of the campaign.

24 questions about some of Sunderland’s best ever strikers – Can get 100% correct?

1 of 24

Did Marco Gabbiadini score 120+ goals for Sunderland?

Yes

No

The Verdict

Neil has been a revelation and is one of the first names on the team sheet at the Stadium of Light at the moment.

In one of the most high profile League One promotion races ever, the Black Cats have done extremely well to put themselves at the top of the pile, Ross Stewart and Elliot Embleton may take the headlines but Neil’s contributions alongside the hardworking O’Nien deserve just as much praise.

After three seasons of up and down form it feels like there is a clear plan and way of playing on Wearside.

No one is talking about the loss of last season’s top scorer Charlie Wyke and the exuberance of youth has played a key role in that.