Danny Batth has backed 'pest' Joe Gelhardt to be a hit at Sunderland. Striker Gelhardt joined the Black Cats on loan from Leeds United late in the transfer window and made his debut in last weekend's Championship draw at Millwall, having been ineligible for the FA Cup fourth tie - and replay - against Fulham because he is cup-tied.
But the 20-year-old is set to return to the starting XI tomorrow when Sunderland resume their league campaign against Reading at the Stadium of Light. Gelhardt was originally signed to work in tandem with top scorer Ross Stewart, but Stewart has since suffered a season-ending Achilles injury which means Gelhardt will find himself centre-stage in the final three months of the season.
And experienced defender Batth believes the youngster will soon settle into the side. "He's sharp, he can pose a threat in behind," said Batth.
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"He's different to what we've had in Ross but good players don't take too long to get used to playing with each other. I've got no doubt that all those boys up front can start sliding balls in for him.
"He can be a pest in the box and get across a defender. He can hold the ball up, he's strong, so I hope we see the best of him. I think everyone will get behind him and he'll do well for us."
Earlier in the season, Sunderland had to manage for weeks on end with no centre-forward, when Stewart was missing with a thigh injury and Ellis Simms - who was recalled by Everton at the beginning of January - was out with a toe problem. During their absence, the likes of Jack Clarke, Amad, Patrick Roberts, and Alex Pritchard stepped up as Tony Mowbray was forced to tweak his system and tactics to fashion a goal threat.
Losing Stewart for the remainder of the season is a major blow but at least Sunderland have Gelhardt to call upon, and Clarke, Amad, Roberts and Pritchard to support him. Batth said: "We have other players who can score.
"Clarkey is working on his game all the time and will come up with goals, Amad, Pat, Pritch, we have goals in the team. Some days I go into training and think 'oh it's going to be a long day!'
"Attack vs defence and I have Amad and Patrick playing one-twos and teasing me. But it's good practice at the end of the day because it's not too often you come up against players of that level."
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