Fan Letters: Does Matthews deserve a place in the league team, and just how good is Dan Neil?

Dear Roker Report,

I love watching us win games... sounds daft but that’s all us fans care about really, winning games, isn’t it? Whether it’s in the pizza cup or the league it doesn’t matter.

Ha’way me bonny lads. Let’s get to Wembley.

Paul Cookson

Ed’s Note [Martin]: Love the enthusiasm, Paul! Winning makes everything seem better, doesn’t it? Some of my favourite seasons have been in the second tier (and one in the third division, many moons ago). We’re in the semis now – let’s win it!

Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

Saw an interesting point raised on the RR Twitter. Should Matthews play on Saturday? I think so. Burge was poor against Gillingham and Matthews never let himself down v the Dodgy Dons. I say he keeps his place until he knacks up again...

John in Essex

Ed’s Note [Martin]: Matthews had a solid game against MK Dons last night, but I don’t think Burge is under any serious threat. I disagree about him being poor against Gillingham to be honest – although he should probably have done better for their opener. Matthews has made a number of mistakes this season and I think it would be very harsh and risky to switch them around now. Still, who knows what Lee Johnson’s opinion is!

Photo by Zac Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

Have to say that I was thoroughly impressed by Dan Neil’s performance tonight. The young man is going to be one hell of a player. Don’t think he put a foot wrong and he sprayed the ball around like he’s been in the first team for years.

Starting to think we should have loaned him somewhere, or perhaps, LJ thinks he’s ready to play first team footy? Regularly I mean. He only seems to appear in these cup games.

What do you think?

Colin Gray

Ed’s Note [Martin]: I agree Colin, thought he looked fantastic. I like how comfortable he is on the ball and how he always looks to make something happen. I’m surprised we’ve not seen more of him. I think he probably should have gone out on loan to get more experience – as with Embleton it would have served him well in the long-term, but hopefully, that means more first-team action for him. It’s nice to see some talent come through the academy – and stay at Sunderland!

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images