Sunderland boss Alex Neil is to make a late call on Everton loanee Nathan Broadhead ahead of their playoff campaign
Sunderland manager Alex Neil is to make a late call on Everton loanee Nathan Broadhead’s fitness ahead of their League One playoff first leg.
Broadhead, 24, limped off after scoring the winner in their final day victory over Morecambe at the Mazuma Stadium.
Neil has remained tight-lipped over the striker, who has been averaging a goal every other game for the Blackcats.
Neil told the Sunderland Echo: “We’ve got guys fit up front.
“I know, I’m just avoiding the question…we’ll make a late call on Nathan.”
He added: “Ross [Stewart] is always ready to go.
“I’m sure Sheffield Wednesday will be cagey and make out like Barry Bannan might not be fit…he’ll be fit.”
Broadhead huge for Blackcats
It would not be a surprise to see Broadhead feature for Alex Neil’s side in their playoff opener at the Stadium of Light.
Broadhead has ten goals in 20 appearances for Sunderland in a season that has been marred by injury.
A variety of clinical finishes, with a number of vital goals, has seen the Everton loanee become a big hit in the North East.
Considering Sunderland’s recent playoff pain, Neil will be doing everything he can to get Broadhead fit for their clashes against Wednesday.
With Broadhead’s Everton contract expiring in 2023, it is probably time for the striker to find a permanent Championship home.
He certainly has the finishing ability to thrive in the Championship and Sunderland would be a perfect fit for the 24-year-old, should they finally end their four-year stay in League One.
If Sunderland yet again fail to escape the third tier, then Frank Lampard cashing in on the striker would seem a sensible option.
At 24 he has potentially reached the peak of his development and he would’ve broken into Everton’s first team by this point.
Time for the Toffees to offload their academy product.
In other Everton news, one Sky Sports pundit has dismissed any Chelsea firework-related excuse claims while hailing “excellent” Toffees players.
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