Andy Welsh has paid homage to Seb Larsson after the midfielder returned from injury on Friday as Sunderland under-23s defeated Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League Cup.
The Swedish midfielder completed a planned 45-minute run-out and helped the development side notch their first win in seven games.
Josh Maja forced an excellent stop from Andrew Fisher before Ethan Robson saw his free-kick rebound off the post as the Black Cats began to turn the screw.
Maja eventually made the Lads’ pressure tell when he turned the ball home following a low cross from the right.
But for all Sunderland’s pressure, Blackburn provided a stubborn test and continued to frustrate the hosts as Lewis Mansell headed wide with the goal at his mercy.
Speaking post-match, Welsh hailed the Swede for his efforts and admitted he was impressed by his early rehab progress.
“We got there in the end but it was a really difficult game,” he said. “They were a very strong, powerful side and they played a lot of channel balls.
“We had to defend those well, I was happy with the first-half performance and I think we maybe deserved to go in more than 1-0 up.
“In the second half we had to defend a little bit more and it was very difficult in the second half.”
He continued: “The plan was to give Seb 45 minutes and no more, he probably could’ve done more to be fair but its very early in his rehab.
“He was excellent in midfield tonight, he was quick, he was fast, he got to be people and he picked up a lot of second balls.
“We lost him at half time and we saw a bit of a difference to the team. It was a good start from him and hopefully he will get some more time on Wednesday when we play Notts County.”
