'Made me think' - Sunderland boss explains why Luis Hemir wasn't allowed loan exit

Michael Beale believes Luis Hemir feels the weight of expectation that comes with the number nine shirt, but says the youngsters is ‘making him think’ at the moment.

Beale has gone with Mason Burstow and Nazariy Rusyn as his striker options since taking over at the club, with Hemir restricted to a short substitute appearance against Hull.

That appearance were probably the most encouraging minutes of Hemir’s Sunderland career so far, though, and Beale sees an awful lot to work with.

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"It's a big number the No.9 at Sunderland,” Beale said. “At a young age, it's the expectation that comes with it.

"When I see him train every day his finishing is very good. There are other areas he has to improve for certain.

“He's young, I think he's certainly a player for the future. I put him on recently and he did quite well. He made me think.”

In January, Beale spoke about both Hemir and fellow young striker Eliezer Mayenda, and he said of the two it was the Portuguese player that was more likely to leave on loan.

However, it was actually Mayenda who left, joining Scottish club Hibernian until the end of the season.

Beale has now explained that decision, saying it was more the differences in how they play that meant they felt more able to allow the Spaniard to go, even though it still comes with risks.

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"Mayenda is a bit younger and we felt it was right for him to go out,” Beale said. “In giving one or two players the opportunity to go out, when the injuries come we are tight. We trained with 18 today, that's what we've got.

"Somebody had to stay in and we feel at this moment in time that Semedo (Hemir), Rusyn and Burstow are the right three to lead our line, where Mayenda at this moment at a younger age will probably play off the right.

“I have Abdoullah [Ba] playing well, I have Pat [Roberts], Romaine [Mundle] was coming in, so it made sense."

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