Sunderland manager Martin O’ Neill is set to make a difficult decision about England international Adam Johnson’s training schedule before the visit of Newcastle on Sunday.
The Premier League Tyne-Wear clash at the Stadium of Light is being viewed as a great opportunity for the Black Cats to put their rivals to the sword and the former Manchester City tricky winger is seen as crucial cog in the Sunderland machine.
The entire squad have met today for training at the Academy of Light but with the £10 million signing arriving back last night, there is a worry the player could be jaded.
Even though Johnson did not feature in the England fixture against Poland, the club will be looking to ensure the player is ready to fire on all cylinders come 1.30 Sunday.
England’s decision to fly home immediately after the 1-1 draw means that Johnson should be able to carry out his scheduled training routine and he is sure to be key to any plans Sunderland have of defeating their bitter rivals.
Despite formerly plying his trade at Middlesborough the player has warmed himself to the fans providing an exciting link up with Scotland International forward Steven Fletcher.
O’ Neill appears to have given the player licence to thrill and it has given Johnson a fresh lease of life. The star was rewarded by Roy Hodgson with a recall to the squad and he will be looking to continue to impress at club level, in order to get his chance to dazzle on the international stage.
