Sunderland manager Chris Coleman has heaped praise on Callum McManaman and added that the player has been “unlucky” in the way that his career at the Black Cats has started.
McManaman was a deadline day signing for the Black Cats last summer as he arrived from West Brom and signed a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
However things have not gone according to plan for the 26-year old as he has struggled for form and consistency.
This has coincided with Sunderland’s struggle for form and consistency and they are currently struggling to avoid relegation from the Championship this season.
With Coleman short of options due to injuries, McManaman has started his clubs last two games, the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest and the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Barnsley.
“I think Callum missed pre-season and it is always tough for players when they do that, always playing catch-up,” said Coleman.
“He got sent off against Reading, then I changed formation to go with wing backs rather than wingers.
“So he has suffered really. He has worked his socks off in training, he really has. He hasn’t been a moment’s problem. He has worked really hard.
“He has been unlucky to be fair, you are always playing catch-up after missing pre-season and he has had a suspension too when we changed formation.”
