Alex Neil has promised Jack Diamond a 'fair crack' as he continues to work out where the wideman fits into his plans. Having arrived in February, Neil has seen little of Diamond in match action first-hand because the 22-year-old was on loan at Harrogate Town last season - although he did bring him back to the Academy of Light to train on a couple of occasions.
But Diamond played just over an hour of Sunderland's final friendly in Portugal, which ended in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Jose Mourinho's Roma, and Neil has suggested that he will give him more opportunities in the remaining pre-season games. Ultimately, though, it will be up to Diamond to force his way into Neil's plans, or alternatively another season out on loan could be on the cards.
"I'm assessing Jack just like I'm assessing every player at the moment," said Neil. "Obviously it will all depend on as well, what we bring in if we do bring in, in certain areas of the pitch.
READ MORE: Alex Neil on Ross Stewart's fitness worry and Sunderland's lack of attacking cover
"Jack will get a fair crack at it. You could see some really good bits on Wednesday [against Roma], you could see his athleticism and his pace.
"Like any young players, there's bits we need to add to his game but he's got an appetite to learn. So it's one where we will just see how we go for the next wee while."
Academy graduate Diamond has made more than 40 appearances for Sunderland in all competitions. But he has played the majority of his football at Harrogate, where he has spent two of the last three seasons on loan, making more than 70 appearances in all competitions for the North Yorkshire side.
READ NEXT:
- Sunderland 0-2 Roma player ratings as Black Cats struggle to make an impression against Serie A side
- Sunderland 0-2 Roma match report as Black Cats end Portugal trip with a defeat
- Sunderland supporters send Jose Mourinho clear message after gritty Roma friendly
- Sunderland 0-2 Roma highlights as Afena-Gyan and Zaniolo goals condemn Black Cats to defeat
- Troy Parrott coy on Tottenham future amid Sunderland transfer links
