Regis Le Bris hails Melker Ellborg progress as Robin Roefs faces late fitness call | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris says Melker Ellborg has adapted quickly and shown a real appetite to learn. The Tyne-Wear derby at St. James’ Park arrives with Robin Roefs due a late fitness assessment, so the Swede could keep goal on Sunday.

According to Sunderland Echo, Ellborg joined in January and initially deputised for first-choice Robin Roefs. He stepped in after the Dutchman’s hamstring injury during last month’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. He debuted in a 1-0 win at Leeds United and has stayed in the side since.

Le Bris explained that specific work on coping with Newcastle’s aggressive press had already been done before the Bournemouth and Leeds games, adding that those weeks were key and Ellborg learned a lot.

He described the 22-year-old as highly committed and eager to improve each day, and said more matches will sharpen him with the ball. Ellborg does not yet have Roefs’ six months of experience, with only a handful of outings so far, but is performing well.

Asked if the start amounted to a baptism of fire, he said Leeds was quick and intense rather than a shock. He valued the goalkeeper’s preparation, his handling of feedback, and his standards, calling him a good example for the group.

Any derby appearance would round off a notable week after Ellborg’s first senior Sweden call-up on Wednesday. Graham Potter’s side face a pivotal international break with World Cup qualification on the line, starting with a play-off semi-final against Ukraine on 26 March.

Source: Sunderland Echo