AliousSunderland boss Regis Le Bris has revealed Leo Hjelde turned down the opportunity to leave the Stadium of Light on loan in January.
Sunderland have seen Leo Hjelde come into the fray in recent games owing to injuries at the back. SAFC go-to Dennis Cirkin has been dealing with an issue, leading to the Norwegian coming in.The former Leeds United man, who can also play at centre-back, has taken his opportunity well too. Hjelde has started the last two Championship games having only appeared off the bench prior.Now though, Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris has revealed things could have panned out very differently for Hjelde. Speaking to The Northern Echo, he revealed there were opportunities for him to head out on a temporary basis.
Le Bris said that Hjelde believed he could force his way into the SAFC plans though, opting to stay put. the Sunderland boss said:
“It was a little bit tough for Leo during the last transfer window because we had this conversation.He had opportunities to go out on loan and we talked together. I had to say that I could not promise anything because a long season like this is unpredictable”.
Having just played 16 league minutes for Sunderland all season by the end of the January transfer window, to say that Hjelde had found opportunities hard to come by would be an understatement. Coming straight into the starting lineup for last month’s 2-1 victory at Sheffield Wednesday, Hjelde impressed with an assist for the opener. Hjelde then enjoyed a solid 56 minutes in their 2-1 home win over Cardiff City at the weekend, being withdrawn shortly after receiving a caution.
Despite being primarily a central defender, Hjelde has deputised as a left-back, and will have done his chances of continued involvement no harm. SAFC boss Le Bris has been pleased with the defender’s versatility:
“Even if he is not a full-back specifically, he can play this role for us,” Le Bris said.Hjelde then enjoyed a solid 56 minutes in their 2-1 home win over Cardiff City at the weekend, being withdrawn shortly after receiving a caution.
Despite being primarily a central defender, Hjelde has deputised as a left-back, and will have done his chances of continued involvement no harm. SAFC boss Le Bris has been pleased with the defender’s versatility:
“Even if he is not a full-back specifically, he can play this role for us,” Le Bris said.“He has been really important for us and he deserved this chanceOpportunity arising
Cirkin has been Sunderland’s regular left full-back this season, and has put in some stellar performances.
The Tottenham Hotspur academy product has been a regular fixture in the fifth-tightest backline in the league, chipping in with three goals and two assists at the other end. With a long season, rest and rotation is key – especially for sides fighting at the top end of the table such as SAFC. As such, the Norwegian’s patience has been rewarded with two consecutive starts.With Le Bris more than content with his performances, it may give the Sunderland boss a selection headache going forwards.
A long time coming
Now into his fourth season in English football, Hjelde is still only 21 years old.
His last league start came almost a year ago, however, in a 0-0 draw with QPR. Having spent time at Leeds United and Rotherham United, Hjelde has found it difficult to nail down a starting berth in England. Whilst his opportunities may still be limited behind the talented Cirkin, at the very least Hjelde has now put in a few solid performances to put himself in the shop window should another opportunity to depart arise.
Alious
