A Sunderland star has been told what he must do in Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby with Newcastle United.
Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg has been challenged ahead of Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby clash with arch rivals Newcastle United.
The Swedish stopper was a January signing as he was brought in to provide competition and cover for regular number one Robin Roefs. However, the 22-year-old has been thrust into the limelight in recent weeks after Roefs suffered an injury that has ruled him out of the Black Cats last three league games and the shock FA Cup exit at the hands of League One club Port Vale.
There was some hope that Roefs could return to contention for the trip to St James Park but it is Ellborg that will don the gloves once again on Sunday lunchtime as Sunderland look to complete a league double over their North East neighbours. Former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson has been impressed with Ellborg but believes the keeper will face a different test on Tyneside.
He told Sky Sports: “It wasn’t an easy start for him and he’s come in for Robin Roefs, who has been so important to the way Sunderland play and how good they’ve been in hitting the 40-point mark. He’s come in, it’s his third Premier League start, he’s very calm, but this is a different game. You go to St James Park, it’ll be hostile and for me, he’s going to have a lot to do today because I think Newcastle will be on the front foot. There’s no Dan Ballard and him and Alderete love defending, they head everything, so it’s going to be a little bit different for him today. He’s a young man, he has broad shoulders and he’s going to have to step up to the mark.”
Continue Reading