Sunderland 'not short' in attack, insists Tony Mowbray

Tony Mowbray has delivered a positive message despite Sunderland striker blow.

Author:
Michael Graham
Publish date:
Feb 3, 2023 9:16 PM EST

Tony Mowbray says he does not accept Sunderland are ‘really short’ in attack despite their deadline day disappointment.

Sunderland lost Ross Stewart to injury just days before the window closed and they were not able to replace him, meaning Joe Gelhardt is the only available striker to Mowbray for the rest of the season.

He, though, says he does not consider his squad to be short on attacking talent at all.

"Of course, we know that one injury can be a disaster for us and we've been through that already this season. We didn't fall off a cliff, we scored some goals and won some games.

"And at that point, Amad hadn't really become established in our team. He can play high up the pitch if we need, he can play anywhere to be honest.

"So I'm not sitting here thinking we're really short.”

In Ross Stewart’s absence, responsibility to lead the line will fall to January signing Joe Gelhardt.

The 20-year-old Leeds striker chose Sunderland over a host of other Championship suitors, and Mowbray says he is incredibly eager to shoulder the goalscoring burden.

"We talk a lot about having the right characters and Joe is just a normal, honest lad who wants to play football," Mowbray said.

"I just think it's really exciting, he just wants to get his boots on and whack the ball in the net.

"When I discussed the move with him he knew we had Ross Stewart. I said to him that if his talent is what I believe it is, I'll find a way. I'll play two up front, you just behind... I think for Joffy he'll now have that feeling that he's going to play, that we need him to score goals.

"We're excited to see him fit in with Amad, Patrick [Roberts] and Jack [Clarke] and watch that grow.

"It feels like a negative that we're going into this part of the season with just one out-and-out striker but if that striker knows they're the man and takes on that burden, the clear picture in my mind is him being a huge success, scoring goals, growing and developing. Then we all go and enjoy the second half of the season.”

Read more Sunderland news