David Meyler is back but a long road ahead
Oct 15 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
DAVID Meyler returned to training this week after cruciate ligament damage, but it will be some time before the Irishman is back in red-and-white stripes.
Along with Jordan Henderson, Sunderland midfielder Meyler was one of the finds of last season. The young midfielders were handed five-year contracts as reward for impressive maiden seasons as established first-teamers.
But while Henderson’s star continues to rise – with rumours he is on the verge of elevation to the full England squad only weeks after his Under-21 debut – Meyler’s progress has been stalled by a horrific injury picked up against Manchester United in May.
“Meyler is running round cock-a-hoop round the training ground, which is great,” confirmed his manager, Steve Bruce. “It still might be a year for the lad but he has given himself every opportunity. Now he is just waiting to get the official go-ahead to join in with everything. It’s fantastic for him and the club.”
Having only made his Sunderland debut until after Christmas, the 21-year-old played 12 times last season. It would have been more were it not for February’s red card, at Portsmouth in the league.
Meyler’s return was symptomatic of a much-improved medical bulletin from the Stadium of Light ahead of Monday’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.
“Kieran (Richardson) has a chance, (as have Craig) Gordon, Anton (Ferdinand), (John) Mensah but Benty (Darren Bent) is the big one for us,” said Bruce.
