Still plenty of use for Jozy Altidore at Sunderland, says Poyet
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Just when Sunderland fans thought they might yet get rid of expensive flop Jozy Altidore, Gustavo Poyet appears to have crushed their dreams by expressing that the American’s stay at the Stadium of Light is far from over.
Having arrived in 2013 for £6.5m from AZ Alkmaar he has failed to set the Premier League alight in his time on Wearside.
He could mark a poignant anniversary next week when he reaches a full year since he scored a Premier League goal, his only Premier League goal.
But the Black Cats gaffer has expressed how there is still room in his squad for the frontman:
“As a manager, I’m going to use him. It will be a surprise for a few.
“I’m not saying I’m going to use him on Saturday, but I’m going to use him in a nice way and use him because we need him. He’s our player and needs to do something special for us,” Poyet added.
The coming games would be an ideal time for Altidore to finally make his mark in the north east.
A tricky run of games against Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool could spell trouble for Sunderland as they continue to tread water in the Premier League this season.
The club continue to try and wrap up a new contract for Connor Wickham, to avoid losing him for nothing in the summer.
And although the youngster continues to be first choice, besides himself and Steven Fletcher, Altidore is the only senior striker in the squad.
With his manager continuing to show faith in him, the 25 -year-old could feature in this weekend’s visit of league leaders Chelsea, and is a 9/2 shot to get on the scoresheet.
And should he take his chance would no doubt go from zero to hero for many of the club’s fans.
All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing
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