Just in: Michael Beale talks up importance of forgotten Sunderland star ahead of return from injury

Elliot Embleton is pencilled in for a Sunderland comeback this week, and Michael Beale has explained why he is an important part of the squad.

Analysis: Evidence that Sunderland are performing far better this season than last - Sports Illustrated Sunderland Nation

Michael Beale says Elliot Embleton has an important role at the club as the midfielder prepares to make his return from injury.

Embleton suffered a serious leg injury at Hull last season, but he battled back to fitness before joining Derby on loan on September 1.

Sadly, that spell was ended almost immediately due to a thigh problem, leaving him in the treatment room again.

Embleton will make his return for the Under-21s this week and, if all goes to plan, can provide Beale with another good midfield option for the rest of the season.

However, Beale says there is another reason why Embleton, who has been a Sunderland fan all his life, is important – because he can help new players understand the passion of the supporters.

“In terms of Elliot’s journey at the club, we don’t have enough of those maybe in the building that have been on the journey and seen the development of the team and the club in the last two years,” Beale said.

“Luke’s one that has and Elliot’s certainly another one, and I think that that experience is really important for new players coming in the building.

“I went for dinner with the three new signings last night to talk to them about how they’ve settled in at the club and the differences from our club to the others, but it’s really important that the players also induct [new] players into the club: The way the culture of the club, the way we behave here, the way we train the standards, they’re things that our club in this area is so important to the fans.

“If a fan come in and spoke to those players, we need to have one or two people in the building that speak like that as well. I think [players need to understand] the passion for the club and what it means to people.”