Danny Welbeck refusing to rule out Wearside return

Jun 19 2011 by Mark Douglas, Sunday Sun

DANNY WELBECK has paid tribute to the Stadium of Light finishing school – before tantalisingly leaving the door ajar for a return to complete his Premier League education at Sunderland.

The highly-rated England under-21 striker will spearhead the Young Lions’ attempts to rescue a drab Euro campaign against heavily-fancied Czech Republic in Denmark tonight.

The pressure is on Stuart Pearce’s men, who must win against the tournament favourites if they are to make it into the last four.

While a listless England have been poor so far, Welbeck is one of a handful of youngsters who have enhanced their reputation out in Scandinavia.

A cool finish in the opener against Spain followed by a tireless performance in the goalless draw against Ukraine had Pearce purring, as Welbeck confirmed his position as one of the nation’s brightest striking hopes.

That is a reputation greatly enhanced by regular Premier League football and the big strides he made while he worked with Steve Bruce on Wearside.

The Salford lad made a slow start to life on Wearside, but autumn brought a string of sizzling performances, including a brilliant man of the match display in November as Chelsea were put to the sword at Stamford Bridge in fine fashion.

The Black Cats would love to lure him back to the club this summer, either on loan or in a permanent switch – which would delight Sunderland supporters.

Welbeck will politely defer on that one as he strives to make a breakthrough at Old Trafford.