Cats have decision to make after recalling keeper Stryjek

SUNDERLAND have recalled highly-rated keeper Max Stryjek from a disappointing loan spell at Accrington Stanley. The Polish Under-21 international moved to Livingstone Road in the summer to gain first-team experience, but after picking up an injury on his debut his only first-team appearances since have come in the Football League Trophy. Sunderland must now decide whether to send him out again to a club where he might have more opportunities, or if they want to keep him at the Stadium of Light to put pressure on the club’s senior goalkeepers, both of whom have disappointed this season.

At £500,000, Jason Steele was the Black Cats’ joint most expensive summer purchase, along with James Vaughan. According to squawka.com, Steele has made more saves per game than any other goalkeeper in this season’s Championship but has been undermined by his lack of penaltyarea presence.

Steele made his only appearance to date under Chris Coleman in this month’s FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough and was at fault for both goals.

Robbin Ruiter, signed as a free agent in the summer, has established himself as Coleman’s first choice, keeping the club’s four Championship clean sheets this season, but he too has had his moments.

Stryjek was selected for last summer’s European Under-21 Championships, but remains uncapped at that level.

A product of Polonia Warsaw’s youth system, he joined Sunderland after impressing on trial in 2013.