Phillips backs Sunderland youngster to emulate Embleton after ‘massive’ development
Kevin Phillips has backed Sunderland youngster Jack Diamond to follow in the footsteps of Elliot Embleton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend claimed Diamond, 21, has a “massive” season after he completed a loan move to Harrogate Town.
The winger returns to Simon Weaver’s side for the rest of the 2021-22 campaign in search of regular first team football.
Diamond made 31 appearances for Harrogate Town in the 2019-20 season and scored four times to help them gain promotion to the Football League.
He has three years remaining on his contract at the Stadium of Light.
Phillips pointed to Embleton’s successful loan spell at Blackpool last season when discussing Diamond’s future.
“This season is massive for Diamond,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“If he goes there and performs then hopefully he will come back and be a part of things next season. He needs to put in performances week in and week out down there.
“Sunderland are reaping the rewards of Embleton’s loan to Blackpool last season and there’s no reason why the same cant happen with Diamond.
“Diamond will also be looking back at Sunderland at the likes of Dan Neil and hoping he can emulate him next season. Neil looks like a very exciting player. Hopefully Neil’s progression will spur Diamond on to succeed at Harrogate.
“If that happens then Sunderland may have a top young player on their hands. It is a big season for him.”
In other news, Phillips claims Sunderland big name may exit in January after ‘surprising’ news.