Phillips: Sunderland could recall Diamond in January after pictures emerge
Kevin Phillips has heaped praise on Sunderland manager Lee Johnson for his handling of Jack Diamond.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend said the manager’s actions suggest the 21-year-old could be recalled from his loan spell at Harrogate Town in January.
Diamond has impressed since joining the League Two side on a season-long loan deal in August.
As pictured by club media (November 16th), Diamond returned to Sunderland’s training HQ at the Academy of Light over the international break.
He spent two days with the Black Cats first team under the watchful eye of manager Lee Johnson.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Diamond’s brief return, Phillips said: “It’s very good management from Lee Johnson.
“Maybe it’s a reward for Diamond for doing so well out on loan.
“Sunderland is his club at the end of the day. I’m sure he enjoyed being back.
“Lee will have had a close eye on him and would have spoken to him. Possibly it’s with a view to him coming back in January and being a part of the team. He could be a big player for them.
“It is also a big confidence boost for the player. He knows he’s done well and that Lee is interested in his progression.”
Diamond has contributed three goals and two assists in 11 League Two appearances this season.
He has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Sunderland could land a ‘very significant’ windfall after a £100million from the Times.