Alex Neil says his 'brave' selection decision to start Elliot Embleton paid off as Sunderland secured promotion via the League One play-offs at Wembley. The Black Cats beat Wycombe 2-0, with academy product Embleton - who was brought back into the starting XI in place of semi-final star Jack Clarke - scoring the first goal inside the opening quarter-hour, before Ross Stewart sealed victory ten minutes from time.
Neil revealed that he decided to play the 23-year-old after analysing his impressive performances against the Chairboys in the league this season, and deciding he could produce another in the play-off final. "I watched the last two games against Wycombe and Elliot Embleton was unbelievable in both games," said Neil.
"He created a goal for Ross Stewart who scored a header, there was a throw-in and he played a one-two and banged it in the far corner, created one down at their place which Ross scored, and he also hit the underside of the bar. There are certain players who suit playing specific teams.
READ MORE: Alex Neil ready for talks with Sunderland's hierarchy to prepare for the Championship
"It was a brave decision today because I knew there would be people there asking why Jack Clarke wasn't playing, but then Embo did exactly what I thought he would do - that he would have a key moment in the game, and he did. When it works and it happens, it's so pleasing because I thought he would have that impact and he did."
Neil also praised another academy product, with 22-year-old Anthony Patterson producing a rock-solid display against a Wycombe side who know how to put keepers under pressure from set-pieces. Of Patterson's contribution, Neil said: "Brilliant. He's been absolutely great - really, really good.
"For the first few games when I came in he looked as though he lacked a bit of confidence, but once I had fixed the defensive structure in front of him, I thought he went from strength-to-strength. He's such a young kid, and he came through the academy, so to play the way he has and to make a crucial save today when Bailey [Wright] misread one and they got in, but Patto came out to make the block, I was really pleased."
Neil also revealed that defender Wright had been suffering with a stomach bug in the run-up to the final and had trained separate to the rest of the squad.
And while the bulk of the players travelled by plane to London for the final, Wright arrived by helicopter.
He said: "He had a sickness bug on Thursday and didn't train. He trained on Friday morning but we kept him separate from the group.
"When we flew down, we got him a helicopter, again to keep him separate. But it's the measure of the man, isn't it, to then put in a performance like that - to win headers, to be aggressive, and do what he did."
For the latest Sunderland news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
