Sunderland coach Chris Coleman has revealed that the Championship strugglers signed Liverpool midfielder Ovie Ejaria despite the fact he was injured.

The former Nigeria U17 trainee started the first two matches following his transfer from the Reds but was not available for selection in the next three after suffering a relapse to his injury during training.

Ejaria has presumably returned to full fitness and went the full ninety as Sunderland played out a 1-1 draw with Millwall this past weekend.

''Ovie’s come to us with a little problem with his thigh. He’s played the first few games then missed a couple. He’s a good player,'' Coleman was quoted as saying by Chronicle Live.

''It’s hard for him because he’s come out of under-23 football playing for Liverpool in games where they dominate and come to us, bottom of a brutal league, which is very physical, but he’s coped very well. He’s very brave in possession.

''He’s done well but there’s more to come from him. I think he’ll get better and better with the more games he plays but he’s a good player.''

Ejaria would be hoping to score his first professional goal when Sunderland tackle Josh Onomah's Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light tonight.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : liverpoolfc.com