Middlesbrough make move for Sunderland starlet Kiernan
MIDDLESBROUGH have swooped for Sunderland striking starlet Cole Kiernan.
The Hartlepool-born hitman, just 18, signed a professional contract with Boro at Rockliffe.
Kiernan has caught the eye of Boro Academy scouts after an impressive 12 months.
The striker joined the Sunderland Academy of Light set-up after a spell at York City as a schoolboy.
Last season he stepped up a gear as made his debut for the Republic of Ireland U18s in a friendly against Austria and his senior Sunderland bow in an EFL Cup win over Grimsby in October.
He also made 15 appearances in Sunderland’s U18 side, scoring five goals, and also featured for the U23s.
Boro’s Head of Academy Craig Liddle said: “Cole was a player we wanted to sign a few years ago, and we’re delighted to be able to bring him to the club now.
“We’ve been following his progress and his development at Sunderland, and when the opportunity came about to sign him on a professional contract we were keen to do so.
“Cole joins a number of our other young players who have progressed through our Academy in signing pro contracts this summer, and we’re looking forward to working with them all when the new season starts.”
It has been a busy week for the Academy recruitment team after awarding five Boro youngsters pro deals.
Scholars Daniel Dodds, Harry Green, Jack Hannah, Joe Ridley and Jack Robinson all put pen to paper on Wednesday.
Said Liddle: “The boys have all deserved this opportunity. Signing a professional contract is a big step for a young player, but as we always say, this is where the hard work really starts.”