new signature Sunderland’s team for their trip to QPR this weekend is expected to include Mason Burstow and a recovered Patrick Roberts. Burstow, a striker on loan from Chelsea, joined the Black Cats on the day of the transfer deadline but was too late to play in the 5-0 victory over Southampton less than 24 hours later.
The hamstring injury Roberts sustained in the victory over Rotherham United last month also prevented him from playing against the Saints and the preceding game against Coventry City. However, both will go to West London as Sunderland looks to continue where they left off before the break for international play.
Patrick has been working out recently; according to his boss Tony Mowbray, he looks fine and is complaining as usual. You are aware of my opinion on Patrick as a special football player. He is a very, very, great footballer, but there are some aspects of his entire package that he has to keep working on and developing.
The 20-year-old Burstow has impressed in training, according to Mowbray, and is pressing to play against QPR. Mowbray described the youngster as “a really nice, humble boy.”
To be honest, I think the balls were getting net rash the first day he trained! He didn’t miss, everything was flying in.
by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like
“He looks exciting. He’s a nice humble, almost shy, kid but he just kept smashing it into the net.
“That’s not meant to put pressure on him, but in that first training session, he must have scored 50 goals in an hour’s training.”
Another of Sunderland’s deadline day captures, Ukrainian striker Nazariy Rusyn, is also expected to be in the group that travels to London but he is still waiting for a visa and unless that comes through in time, he will be restricted to no more than a watching brief. Mowbray said: “We’re still working on visas and things like that at the moment.
“As of right moment, he is not available. I’m not sure if he’ll be there tomorrow, but he looks interesting.
“He appears to be quick and direct, but as any manager will tell you about a new signing, especially one who does not speak the language, we simply have to give him time.” They need to settle down, and we shouldn’t expect too much too soon from a young man who is away from home.
“Let’s give him some time and be patient with him, but he looks like a good footballer who will hopefully make an impact on the games in the coming weeks.”
Rusyn missed a handful of games for his last club Zorya Luhansk due to injury before joining Wearside, and while he is currently fit, he is unlikely to start against QPR even if his visa is approved in time. “I don’t think he’s played a game in three weeks,” Mowbray added, “so I don’t think anybody should expect to see his name in the starting lineup this weekend.”
“Whether he gets his visa or not, we’re taking him to London.” It’s appropriate that he travels with the team and interacts with the players.
“For his initiation, he’ll have to stand on a chair and sing a song – maybe the Ukrainian national anthem, I’m hoping.”
Leave a Reply