Tony Mowbray has claimed that there is ‘nothing stopping’ Dan Neil from becoming Sunderland’s club captain.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, the Black Cats boss suggested that he was a very ‘respected’ character in the dressing room.
Dan Neil was handed the captain’s armband during Sunderland‘s win over Birmingham City, with Luke O’Nien and Corry Evans both unavailable.
It was the first time the midfielder had earned the role, five years after making his senior debut in the EFL Trophy.
While it will be O’Nien that resumes his position against Plymouth Argyle after serving his suspension, Mowbray has hinted that Neil could well take the captaincy on a permanent basis in the future.
“We might sign a player who has massive qualities of leadership but, if not, there’s nothing stopping Dan [becoming a long-term captain] – he can lead by example,” Mowbray said.
“He’s not a naturally gregarious person who wants to put his opinion on top of everybody else’s but I think he gains respect from the way he leads his life and the human qualities he possesses.
“He’s there to be respected because of how he stands and carries himself every day.”
Mowbray has heavily praised Neil during the international break, previously admitting that he had ‘stepped up amazingly’ since Evans picked up a long-term injury.
Does Dan Neil have what it takes to become Sunderland captain?
Dan Neil has definitely grown and matured over the last year, and it’s not surprising given the responsibility he has in such a young team.
The midfielder already has over 120 senior appearances to his name and only turns 22 years old next month.
He has become one of the more ‘senior’ figures and was actually one of the older players as he led the side out in a comfortable win over Birmingham last time out.
While I would hope we do eventually sign a player with the leadership qualities that Tony Mowbray mentioned, I have no doubt that Neil will take the captain’s armband eventually. That’s if we manage to keep hold of him anyway.
Neil clearly loves the club and has looked like a completely different player this season, while he is also a lot more vocal and is not afraid to take the lead on and off the pitch.
The 22-year-old is definitely not the only one with that potential though. Dan Ballard will definitely be battling him for the same role, if he chooses to stay on Wearside too.