NIALL Huggins was close to agreeing a new contract with Sunderland just days before he suffered his latest devastating injury setback, his agent Ian Harte has revealed.

Huggins has endured rotten luck with injuries since joining the Black Cats from Leeds United in 2021 and was restricted to just three league appearances in his first two years on Wearside.

After finally getting to the bottom of the back problem that plagued the full-back for a long time, Huggins then had to deal with a string of minor setbacks but he was back fully fit at the start of the season and quickly established himself as a key man for the Black Cats, making 17 Championship starts.

His fine form led to a first senior Wales call-up and he was also in line to sign a new deal at Sunderland, with his current contract due to expire at the end of next season - but Huggins then suffered what the club described as a "significant knee injury" in the home defeat to Coventry City in December.

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Despite the heartbreak of such a major blow, Harte says Huggins is managing to stay upbeat. He won't play again this season and it's not clear when he'll be ready to return, but Harte believes the young full-back has shown - when fit - just how pivotal a player he will be for the Black Cats.

"Niall is fine. It's going to be a long old road for him," said Harte, speaking to Free Bets.

"Unfortunately for him a week before that bad injury we were in discussions with Sunderland to sign a new deal.

"He's now three months in (since the injury). It's going to be a long journey but all Sunderland fans can see what he's about. He's been brilliant when he's played right-back or left-back. Everyone is excited to see him back on the pitch.

"It's important to be supportive during these times so he knows we're there for him. I've no idea when he'll be back. Niall is feeding off the medical team and the physios have been great at Sunderland with him.

"He's been unfortunate since he's signed because he's had two long-term injuries. He's a quality player, he got himself into the Wales national team. He just has to stay focused and we'll all be looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch up and down that wing."

Huggins' injury was one of a number of defensive setbacks Sunderland have had to deal with this year, with Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin having also faced long spells on the sidelines. Jenson Seelt is the latest long-term absentee, with the defender having suffered a serious knee injury earlier this month.

Alese's return to action is now imminent, revealed sporting director Kristjaan Speakman this week, after the former West Ham youngster put pen to paper on a new contract at the Stadium of Light.

While Good Friday's trip to Cardiff City is likely to come too soon for Alese, Sunderland will be boosted by the return of Luke O'Nien, who has missed the last two games through suspension.