Slav set to welcome back the ‘prodigal’

Slaven Bilic has made the first public step in welcoming the imminent return of Diafra Sakho.

Sak is expected to return before the end of the month with David Gold even suggesting he could play a part in the Cup match next week against Chelsea

And the manager has now made it clear that the sometimes troubled striker remains part of his thinking saying: “He knows I have always rated him.”

But he added: ” “He has got to perform and play well. I’m expecting a lot from him when he comes back.”

Meanwhile Zaza looks set to again lead the line against Sunderland after his improved showing against Palace with the manager saying: ““It was a really good performance from him.

“I told him that he won more duels in that game than four or five games before that altogether. And you could see after the game that he was happy and proud about the performance.

““I also told him the goals will come. It’s not all about goals, of course, but they are one of the reasons why we wanted him.”