Teenager Callum Doyle has returned to training refreshed this week after being given time off to recharge his batteries. Sunderland's on-loan Manchester City defender is in his first season playing senior football and had started 32 out of 34 league games prior to last weekend's trip to Wigan, with the 18-year-old looking visibly fatigued in recent weeks and his form suffering as a result.
But Black Cats boss Alex Neil gave Doyle a few days off last week and rested him against the Latics, with Arbenit Xhemajli drafted into the side for the 3-0 win at the DW Stadium. Doyle has been back at the Academy of Light this week and Neil says the youngster has benefited from the break.
"Callum needed the break," he said. "He needed a mental break, as much as anything.
