'Tidy footballer' - Tony Mowbray mulling over future of Sunderland youngster

What next for 19-year-old after his disastrous Hartlepool loan ended early?

Tony Mowbray believes Sunderland have a ‘tidy footballer’ on their hands in Ellis Taylor, but he will not be available in the FA Cup.

Taylor, 19, has been considered one of the top prospects at the Sunderland Academy for some time, although his progress has stalled amid a disastrous loan spell at Hartlepool.

Pools changed their manager shortly after Taylor arrived and new boss Keith Curle openly admitted he did not know which position to play him, despite acknowledging his talent.

That loan deal was cut short, and Sunderland will likely attempt to find a new temporary home for Taylor later this month.

In the meantime, though, he won’t be involved with Sunderland at Shrewsbury this weekend – because he was used as an 89th minute substitute in Hartlepool's first-round draw at Solihull in November.

However, Mowbray has not ruled out Sunderland utilising him themselves after that should he impress in training.

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"Ellis Taylor is now back registered to us, but he can't play in this game because he is cup-tied,” Mowbray said.

"He looks like he's got a nice left foot, a good engine, and he's what I would call a tidy footballer. We'll see how that grows and develops and whether he can get involved after this weekend."

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