Ricky Sbragia says Grant Leadbitter is not taken for granted
May 15 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
As well as confirming that he will look to appoint an experienced number two when safety is assured, the Sunderland boss also suggested that Leadbitter has a big part to play again next season.
It is one thing that Sbragia shares with his predecessor Roy Keane, who was also a confirmed fan of the Academy graduate.
He was handed a new three-year contract by the former Black Cats’ chief last summer.
It is Sbragia’s intention, if he is still Sunderland boss, to overhaul the dressing room in the summer and bring in better “characters” – and he sees the “low maintenance” Leadbitter as typical of the type of player he would like to attract.
“He is good to have around and he is quicker than you think. He has a lovely football brain, he really does,” he said. “Wherever he plays it’s never a problem, he just does it.
“He is intelligent enough to know what is required from him.
“He is low maintenance. He wants to do well for Sunderland, he has been a supporter and been through it all. He now has a chance to readdress that.
“We didn’t play him at West Brom and maybe I made a mistake on that. I said that to him.”
Sbragia has slight worries over Kenwyne Jones and Kieran Richardson, both nursing ankle injuries. But with Sunderland having an extra 48 hours to prepare for their critical clash with Portsmouth, the key duo are expected to play.
Indeed, Sunderland are only without long-term absentees Nyron Nosworthy and Craig Gordon for their trip to Fratton Park.
“At the moment George (McCartney) is training away, though Nyron and Craig are definitely out,” the boss revealed. “Kenwyne Jones and Kieran have had six or seven days to recover. I expect them to train tomorrow. In hindsight a Monday night game has been decent for us because we can get them back.
“Teemu was okay on Sunday so he should be fine as well.”
