Sunderland should promote Tom Proctor to starting XI vs Brighton after double blow
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris should promote Tom Proctor to the first team this weekend as he deals with an injury crisis in attack.
The Black Cats host Brighton this weekend as club football returns following an extended international break.
Le Bris has a selection dilemma on his hands after Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor were both injured while playing for their respective countries.
Brobbey is expected to be sidelined against Brighton with a hamstring issue, while Isidor may be able to play but is set to be short on fitness.
Youth striker Proctor deserves a real chance to put his name in lights after consistently impressing for Sunderland's under-21s.
The 17-year-old has already been involved in the first team under Le Bris and looks to have the potential to be a real key player on Wearside for years to come.
Tom Proctor deserves first team opportunity after several standout youth displays
Proctor trained with Le Bris' squad over the summer and scored once in four first-team pre-season friendly outings.
The 17-year-old looks to have benefitted from his experience, scoring twice in his last three U21 appearances after being handed a senior bow against Hull in the Carabao Cup last month.
He shone against strong EFL opposition on Tuesday night, creating more chances (5) than any player on the pitch as the Black Cats' youth side was beaten by Sheffield Wednesday.
Proctor completed 100 per cent of his attempted dribbles and made seven ball recoveries to continue an impressive run of recent form that has seen him score against Accrington and Norwich under-21s.
He is among the best-performing attackers in the PL2 this season for shots (3.59) and assists (0.26) per 90, as well as percentage of duels won (60.9) and successful dribbles (60).
Le Bris should offer him the chance to make an impression in the Premier League this weekend, with a spot on the bench to be taken up as Brobbey sits out injured.
Brobbey transfer uncertainty gives another reason to develop Proctor
Brobbey will be sorely missed against Brighton after proving his worth as Le Bris' first-choice striker ahead of Isidor over the last 12 months.
He made a huge impression against top opposition last time out, bagging a hat-trick in their 5-3 loss to Man City.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Man United are keen on signing Brobbey next year and could make a move for him in either of the next two windows.
He is believed to be on the radar of several other top clubs, with the Black Cats possibly resigned to a sale if they stagnate this season.
Proctor's development as a future first-team regular for Sunderland should be accelerated with Brobbey's potential exit in mind.