Tony Mowbray believes Niall Huggins’ injury problems are behind him.
TONY MOWBRAY believes Niall Huggins has overcome his injury problems and is capable of playing three games in a week if necessary.
Huggins has been plagued by injuries since joining Sunderland from Leeds United in the summer of 2021, with a string of minor ailments limiting him to just a handful of professional matches prior to the start of the current season.
The York-born defender finished pre-season this summer eager for an opportunity to show he had put his difficulties behind him, and it came when Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin were injured, opening up a space at left-back.
That has not always been a given, but Mowbray sees no reason why the 22-year-old’s injury issues should reappear, such has been the success of his most recent return to action.
The Sunderland boss said: “Not once have I seen him say, ‘I need to miss (training) today, this is a bit sore or that’s a bit tight, can I have a day off, gaffer? I’m feeling this or that, but I should be alright in a couple of days’.
“There’s been none of that. He just puts his boots on every day and goes out and trains, which is a really good sign for us.”
Huggins has played right across the backline for Sunderland, and even slotted in at the heart of midfield during a pre-season game at Hartlepool United this summer.
He seems to have found a home at left-back though, with the speed of his adaptation to the role having impressed his head coach.
“He just needs to stay focused and keep doing what he’s been doing,” Mowbray said. And what he has been doing is contributing to the puzzle.
“He does his job where he is asked to do it, fills the part of the pitch he is asked to fill, and he does it well.” He must continue to do so, no more and no less.
“It allows the team to function; you just do your job, which he has done exceptionally well.” I don’t see why he couldn’t do it a few more times before the international break.”