Tony Mowbray discusses Patrick Roberts' situation after spell out the Sunderland XI

Patrick Roberts hasn't started any of the last three games for Sunderland, following a minor spell on the sidelines.

Roberts, 26, remains a key player in this Sunderland side, and one that boss Tony Mowbray often speaks fondly of.

The former Manchester City man missed the Coventry City and Southampton game with a hamstring injury and hasn't been in the starting XI since, with Abdoullah Ba starting in his place.

But Roberts has come off the bench in each of the last three with Sunderland sitting pretty in 5th place of the Championship table.

And Mowbray has revealed ahead of Friday's Championship clash vs Sheffield Wednesday that Roberts will soon be back in the XI.

He told Chronicle Live:

"I see it as a positive, really. I've said it in the past - people must think I'm mad, how can I pick a team without Patrick Roberts? He's just an amazing footballer who can really damage teams in this league and be so creative.

"But I've had conversations with Pat. He understands. He had a hamstring injury and, in a three-game week [such as last week], there's no reason for him to worry about how much gametime he gets."

Mowbray added:

"You want players on the bench who you know you can bring on to affect the game, and to give other players a break - players you can bring on and it doesn't weaken your side, it keeps it just as strong as it was to start with. Patrick understands the situation and it is not going to be long before he is back starting again and somebody else [is on the bench]."

Roberts' recent absence shows the quality that Sunderland have. Ba has taken his chance well and now Mowbray knows he has another good attacker to call upon as the season goes on.

Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday gets underway at 8pm.

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