LOAN SPARK

Diallo is providing Pritch pickings for Black Cats

- SIMON BIRD

AMAD DIALLO has been labelled the "brightest spark on the pitch" as he tries to prove himself to Manchester United.

Sunderland team-mate Alex Pritchard believes the £19m price tag that the Old Trafford giants paid Atalanta is "not his problem".

Diallo, 20, on a season-long loan, scored his fourth goal in six games, having been set up by Pritchard's skill down the right wing, as Sunderland climbed to a point behind the top six.

Pritchard netted the Black Cats' second and Ellis Simms wrapped up the game in injury time, with Diallo showing he can influence games after a tough time following his move from Italy.

Boss Tony Mowbray says Diallo is keeping Patrick Roberts - one of the best players in the Championship - out of the Sunderland side with his goals.

And Pritchard said: "Amad has been in really good form and the brightest spark on the pitch when we get the ball.