LEE JOHNSON was full of praise for Elliot Embleton after the Sunderland midfielder fired his side to the 1-0 win over Portsmouth that lifted them back into the automatic-promotion positions in League One.

Embleton claimed the only goal of the game at the Stadium of Light as the Black Cats returned to winning ways after a run of three matches without a victory.

The Sacriston-raised midfielder left Wearside on loan in the second half of last season, helping Blackpool win promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.

The plan was always for him to return to his native North-East this season though, and he is flourishing as one of Sunderland’s leading attacking lights.

Johnson said: “Elliot is a complex character, a real talent. He works hard, a really good trainer, up there with the top two or three every day.

“I think he can grow as a personality on and off the pitch, and that will only enhance what he does really well.

“His technical quality on both feet, his ability to turn on a sixpence and link up, is excellent because he has a really high football IQ.

“He's passionate about the club which is something we love, and we want to nurture and channel that. 

“I never had any doubts. Loaning him out came back to bite us on the backside, but it was the right thing to do for him and for us, to develop him.

“(Aiden) McGeady was playing extremely well in a different shape and style, but we've built around players like him this year.”