Doyle has made 37 appearances for the Black Cats this season in all competitions after signing for them on loan in the summer.
In the league, Doyle has not missed a single minute of football since not being in the starting line-up for a game in early-October and overall he has only not started two matches this term.
Neil admitted that Doyle is in severe need of a break from playing, but circumstances have forced Sunderland’s’ hand as his features are not common at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats boss has no doubt that Doyle will become a fantastic player but at the same time sees the exhaustion of the centre-back and can sympathise if his performances are a bit lacklustre.
“Callum is probably number one [in need of a rest], but the simple fact is that he’s the only left-footed centre back that we’ve got”, Neil was quoted as saying by the Sunderland Echo.
“The kid has played far too much football, there’s been far too much reliance on him.
“He will be a very, very good player but it’s difficult for him at the moment because when you’re not fully fit and you’re not refreshed, it’s difficult for you to show your best.”
The Black Cats are now on a six game winless streak in the league and the 1-1 draw against Burton Albion was a further setback, with Doyle criticised for his performance against the Brewers.
