Premier League: Gus Poyet delighted to have Emanuele Giaccherini and Ricky Alvarez back
Wednesday 31 December 2014 14:16, UK
Sunderland's hopes of finishing the second half of the season strongly have been boosted by the return of midfielders Emanuele Giaccherini and Ricky Alvarez from injury.
The Black Cats head into 2015 sitting in 14th place in the table, just four points above the drop zone with manager Gus Poyet looking to the January transfer window for a spark of inspiration.
However, with Italy international Giaccherini now back from an ankle injury and Alvarez - on loan for the season from Inter Milan - having recovered from a knee problem, Poyet is hoping the invention they can provide an attacking edge.
Asked what they could bring, Poyet said: "In terms of their position on the pitch, it's massive. It's their value, their ability, why they played, Giaccherini at Juventus or Ricky Alvarez at Inter Milan.
"They played for top, top teams in Italy and you would expect them to really make a difference.
"He is different, Giacchy, to Ricky, because Giacchy had a very difficult [first] year in England in a team struggling all season, so he learned everything. And, like I have said here many times before, he came back in pre-season at another level - he was like a new signing.
"Ricky is still adapting to this incredible league in which nobody gives up and every ball, every minute, every second is important, so it's totally different.
"I know the players know that, but until they are on the pitch, up and down and stop and break and break and break and break, then you start realising and adapting to what you need, so slowly.
While the return of both players is a relief for Poyet, he now turns his focus to the New Year's Day trip to Manchester City.
City gave up a 2-0 lead against Burnley in their last match, eventually drawing 2-2 at the Etihad Stadium, but Poyet is not underestimating the reigning champions' ability.
"Now they have drawn and it's a little bit of a wake-up call, so I don't know, we will see," he added.
"We know Manchester City, we know how good they are, we know the quality they have got. We need to make sure that we are good on the day."
The Black Cats will be without midfielder Liam Bridcutt, who suffered concussion in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.
