Is Adam Matthews’ Sunderland career coming to a disappointing end?

Add as preferred source on Google

When Sunderland snapped up Adam Matthews from Celtic in 2015 it looked a solid piece of business from the Black Cats. The Welsh international had experience in the Champions League with Celtic and a wealth of caps with his national team.

He cost a fee in the region of £2 million and Sunderland were rightly hopeful he could prove a hit with the Sunderland faithful.

But it has been a struggle for the player at the Stadium of Light. Injuries have blighted his time at the club.

He played just twice for the club in his opening season on Wearside and went on to spend time on loan at Bristol City.

Last season he featured 27 times as Sunderland were relegated to League One. But perhaps that could be a blessing in disguise?

It could have been a move to the third-tier would have helped him rediscover his best form, especially now his fitness issues look behind him.

However, most Sunderland fans would argue that has not been the case.

Matthews has struggled recently and was dropped for the weekend win against Rochdale. Northern Ireland international Tom Flanagan came in to replace him and performed brilliantly throughout.

Now it would seem Flanagan has earned the first-team spot and Matthews may have to settle for life as back-up and bench duty.

Injuries and form have simply blighted his chances at Sunderland and with his contract into its final year, the 26-year-old has a lot to do if he wants to remain a Sunderland player beyond this season.