McLaughlin might have to delay debut
AIDEN McGeady will miss the start of Sunderland’s pre-season programme, and new signing Jon McLaughlin could sit out today’s game at Darlington too.
As one of the Black Cats’ more high-profile players, it remains to be seen whether former Champions League winger McGeady will be at the Stadium of Light beyond the August 9 transfer deadline, but McLaughlin is expected to be new manager Jack Ross’ first-choice goalkeeper.
But the 30-year-old Scotland international has a minor groin strain, and Ross may err on the side of safety when his team kick-off their warm up campaign with a friendly at Darlington’s Blackwell Meadows.
“Aiden hasn’t managed to take part in any of pre-season because he picked up an injury before he came back while he was doing some work on his own,” Ross told his new club’s official website.
“He hasn’t really improved which has been to his frustration because he’s not been able to get out on the pitch.
“He’s still unavailable at the moment and probably will be for the next couple of weeks until it settles down.”
With his talent not in question, McGeady’s attitude could be a big factor in determining what part he plays in the upcoming League One campaign, and that will be harder for Ross to judge the less time the Republic of Ireland international spends on the training pitch. McGeady joined Sunderland after they were relegated to the Championship, and took a pay cut after relegation in the summer, so he is not as high a priority to move on as many of those who joined when the Black Cats were playing in the top flight, on wages to match.
That said, McGeady’s cut-price £250,000 transfer from Everton will have allowed them to accommodate more of his Goodison Park salary. McGeady showed glimpses of his talent last season, but was not consistent enough to be a regular starter even in the Football League. McLaughlin definitely is in Ross’ thinking, but others could get the first chance to impress in goal. Robbin Ruiter remains of the senior goalkeepers, and Polish under-21 international Max Stryjek will be hoping to make his debut in the coming campaign. If McLaughlin does miss out, the Black Cats could have five debutants for the game against nonleague Darlington. The Cats have sold 878 tickets for the clash.
Aiden hasn’t managed to take part in any of preseason because he picked up an injury before he came back Jack Ross