Aji Alese is eyeing more minutes on the pitch after a solid first-half display against Saudi Professional League side Al-Shabab. The Sunderland defender has been out of action with a foot injury he picked up during a heavy challenge in the Black Cats' defeat to Blackburn Rovers.
The 21-year-old defender has been one of the surprise packages since arriving from West Ham United earlier this summer. Not much was known of Alese prior to the move, but he's looked an assured addition.
The arrival of Tony Mowbray saw Alese given his opportunity to impress after being named amongst the substitutes by Alex Neil at the start of the campaign. He took that opportunity with both hands and his absence has been felt in recent weeks.
