Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris is being urged to hand 17-year-old Tom Proctor a Premier League start against Brighton after injuries to top scorer Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor. The double blow leaves the Black Cats, who sit 17th in the Premier League with four points from six games, short of attacking options for the weekend's fixture.

Brobbey is expected to miss the match with a hamstring problem, while Isidor is a fitness doubt after both picked up knocks on international duty. This creates a significant selection headache for Le Bris, with Proctor emerging as the most compelling candidate to step up. The academy product has been in outstanding form for the under-21s, scoring twice in his last three PL2 appearances and creating five chances in a midweek outing against Sheffield Wednesday.

Proctor's compelling case

Proctor has already tasted first-team action this season, making his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Hull City last month. He trained with the senior squad over the summer and scored in pre-season, an experience that appears to have accelerated his development. His underlying numbers are impressive for the youth side, ranking among the best in the division for shots and successful dribbles per 90 minutes.

Le Bris now faces a decision that could fast-track the teenager's career. Handing Proctor a start would be a bold move, but it is seen as a necessary one given the circumstances and the player's recent performances. It also comes with an eye on the future, as Brobbey's form has attracted significant transfer interest. The Dutch striker, who has scored three goals in five appearances this term including a hat-trick against Manchester City, is understood to be a target for several top clubs.

The bigger picture

Promoting Proctor would serve a dual purpose: addressing an immediate need and accelerating the development of a potential long-term asset. Sunderland's recent form has been inconsistent, with a 2-0 loss to Brighton in their last outing highlighting their struggles. A positive result this weekend is vital as they look to climb away from the relegation zone.

The club's current league position and the potential departure of a key player like Brobbey underline the importance of integrating young talent. Proctor's potential promotion is not only a short-term fix but a strategic step for a squad in transition. His energy and direct style could offer Sunderland a different dimension as they seek to improve on a record of six goals scored and twelve conceded this season. The manager's final team selection will be revealed when the squad is announced ahead of kick-off.

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