ELLIOT Embleton had a day to savour yesterday scoring in the League One play-off final for his hometown club Sunderland as they went on to seal promotion against Wycombe Wanderers and manager Alex Neil had faith in his ability to make a big impact as he was brought back into the side for the game at Wembley.

Embleton escaped the challenges of several Wycombe players and drove through the heart of the pitch before driving past David Stockdale from 20 yards to give the Black Cats the lead in the 12th minute of the game. The result was ensured by Ross Stewart who smartly finished from just inside the box ten minutes from time to secure promotion.

Jack Clarke was sacrificed by Neil for the game to hand Embleton a start in the game, a decision that may well have surprised a number of supporters given the wingers outstanding display against Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-final second leg.

Neil explained his rationale for making his only change to the game. “I watched the last two Wycombe games, and Elliot Embleton was unbelievable in both games,” he said.

“He created a goal where Ross Stewart scored a header, he played a one-two and banged it in the far corner, he created one down at their place where he put it in front and Ross scored, he hits the underside of the bar.

“There’s certain players that suit playing against specific teams. I knew, in my opinion, it was a really brave decision today because I’m sure there were people sitting in the house thinking, ‘Why’s Jack Clarke not playing?’ But then Embo does exactly what I thought Embo would do.

“He was going to have a key moment in the game, and he did. It’s not fortune because there’s a lot of hard work goes into it, but when it works and when it happens, it’s so pleasing. I thought he was going to have that impact, and he did.”

The impact was probably one of the biggest Embleton could have hoped for in the game as his early settles the nerves with Sunderland rewarded for their fast start at Wembley.

When asked about what the message was from the manager Neil, Embleton told Sky Sports: “Just be in the game, get on the ball and make things happen. I got my goal as well so it was a good moment.

“I saw the big space in front and I took the ball. I beat the first two men and the gaps opened so I thought ‘I’m just going to hit it’. Fortunately, it wobbled all over and went in.”