McLaughlin and Butler have been great with me, says keeper Burge

The goalkeeping union is alive and well at the Academy of Light – with Sunderland stopper Lee Burge having hailed the impact of both Jon McLaughlin and Lee Butler.

Burge has largely been forced to play second fiddle to McLaughlin this term, with his last appearance for the Black Cats coming against Burton Albion on November 26.

But the 27-year-old still feels his game has come on leaps and bounds since swapping Coventry City for Sunderland last summer.

Sunderland’s players are currently training alone at home, with the club’s training ground closed and the squad working remotely, but Burge remains in close contact with club staff.

That includes Butler – with Burge hailing Phil Parkinson’s decision to raid former club Bolton Wanderers for the popular goalkeeping coach.

“It's been great,” he said, of working with Butler.

“He's come in and has been great with me. He's worked a lot with me and I feel like I've improved under him.

“He is working me very hard and that's all I want, especially when you're out of the team, as you've got to keep doing extra and keep on your toes to be ready for the team if you're needed.

“He was a good goalie when he was playing, and it's good to be with him and learn from him every day.”

Burge is also learning from McLaughlin – who, after a shaky spell just after Parkinson’s appointment on Wearside, has re-established himself as one of the best stoppers in the EFL.

And his experience, which includes time spent in the top tier of Scottish football and as part of the international scene, is proving a great resource for Burge to draw upon.

Indeed, such mutual respect means there is no bad blood between the pair when tough decisions have to be made.

“I think Jon is great,” added Burge.

“When I first came here he was someone that I wanted to come and learn from, and he was great with me when I was in the team.

“It's now vice-versa, and as long as I help the team in any way then that's what I want to do.”

Burge has made 11 senior appearances for Sunderland since joining from Coventry, keeping two clean sheets and conceding 13 goals.