Tony Mowbray expects Niall Huggins to have big season at Sunderland

Huggins joined Sunderland from Leeds United in the summer of 2021, but a succession of injuries have seriously limited his ability to make much of an impact in the senior ranks.

The 22-year-old has made just eight senior appearances in all competitions during his two years on Wearside, and has barely featured at all under Tony Mowbray.

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His only Championship appearance in the whole of last season came in November’s 2-1 win at Birmingham City, with a series of niggling injury issues restricting his ability to train and play in the second half of the campaign.

He is operating at full fitness now though, and played at left-back for the first 45 minutes of Sunderland’s weekend win over San Antonio during their tour of the United States.

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He could well find himself back in the side when the Black Cats return to action against New Mexico United on Wednesday, with his ability to play at either full-back or centre-half making him a potentially valuable asset with the injured Aji Alese not expected to be available for the start of the new Championship campaign.

Mowbray said: “Niall is a bonus ball for us. He’s a good footballer, very athletic, very versatile, very confident with the ball at his feet.

“I’m really pleased for Niall. He has to prove his robustness throughout the season and play games and be available to play games, and he has to try and force his way into the team, but he’s a really positive asset for the football club.”