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.
