Loanees are making Black Cats proud
ROSS IS DELIGHTED WITH YOUNGSTERS’ PROGRESS
SUNDERLAND manager Jack Ross is delighted to see the club’s on-loan youngsters gaining valuable first-team experience away from Wearside.
Max Stryjek, Luke Molyneux and Elliot Embleton all left the club on temporary deals earlier this season following Ross’ extensive rebuilding project in the summer.
All three have been tipped to develop into regular first-team candidates for the Black Cats but, with opportunities limited, Ross feels getting crucial gametime at this stage of their career will help their development.
Goalkeeper Stryjek, 22, joined Eastleigh in September and made an instant impression, saving a penalty on his debut and being named as the club’s player of the month.
England under-20 star Embleton played in the Black Cats’ League Cup defeat by Sheffield Wednesday but has since started four games for Grimsby, while Molyneux’s move to Gateshead has seen him involved in matchday squads.
It is that playing time which Ross feels is vital for the next generation of youngsters at Sunderland.
“It is playing regularly every week versus the odd game every now and then,” explained the Black Cats’ boss. “I think there are some of them who probably could have done with that (a loan spell) before now. I think Max, Elliot and Luke could have done with playing regularly before now but now they are getting it.”
Ross has been particularly pleased to see Stryjek’s form at Eastleigh.
Many fans had wanted to see the Poland under-21 shotstopper given his chance in the first team but Jon McLaughlin’s arrival limited his chances.
However, he is taking the opportunity on the south coast with both hands.
Ross added: “Max’s form at Eastleigh has been really good.
“Elliot has had to work really hard to get in the team at Grimsby but I think he is making a really good, positive contribution now.
“It is much better for them to be doing that in League Two or the National League than playing the odd game in the Checkatrade.”