Baptism of fire for Black Cats’ Embleton

As far as introductions to top flight football go Elliot Embleton, who has sat on the bench waiting for his debut as the Black Cats dropped out of the Premier League, has not had it easy at Sunderland.

Embleton has been an unused substitute on five occasions this season, most recently on Saturday as Josh King condemned Sunderland to Championship football.

It hasn’t been easy for the 18-year-old midfielder, who has been a regular fixture for Sunderland Under-23s.

But Embleton is hoping to learn from what the team is going through as he tries to force his way into the first team plans.

(Stu Forster/Getty Images )

“We went into the game (against Bournemouth) knowing we had to get a result and obviously that didn’t happen,” he said.

“It was a tough game and in the dressing room afterwards is was hard because we all want to play in the Premier League.

“It was hard to take as a team even though I’ve only been in the squad and on the bench a few times.

“No-one wants to see the relegation side of football, no matter what age you are, but what’s important now is that I learn from the experience.

“I now know what it is like and what it feels like.”