Dion’s focus on push for promotion
SUNDERLAND defender Dion Sanderson admits his sights are firmly set on a career in the Premier League with Wolves.
But the on-loan centre-back is focused on helping the Black Cats win promotion back to the Championship this season.
Sanderson, 21, has impressed during his loan spell at the Stadium of Light, becoming a key part of a Sunderland defence which has conceded just once in their last six games.
After initially struggling to break into the first team under Phil Parkinson, injuries to Jordan Willis, Bailey Wright and Tom Flanagan meant Sanderson was given his chance – and was often the only recognised central defender in the starting line-up.
But, alongside Luke O’Nien in the heart of the defence, Sanderson has taken the opportunity with both hands.
And while Sunderland fans would love to see him extend his stay on Wearside, he told Wolves’ official website that he sees his future at Molineux.
“If the opportunity to play for Wolves presented itself, I would take it,” he said. “Wolves have been my boyhood club, and it’s where I see myself in the future.
“I definitely see myself in the Premier League. I just have to keep my standards high for myself – that’s my aspiration and where I want to be.”
For the time being though, Sanderson remains an important part of the
Sunderland side looking to continue their excellent run of form when they take on Bristol
Rovers this weekend. It’s a run which has propelled Lee Johnson’s side to the brink of an automatic promotion spot, with the play-offs the very least the club expect to achieve come May.
“I would be really chuffed if we do get promoted,” Sanderson added.
“If you know Sunderland’s history, they’ve been through a lot in the last 10 years, so it would mean a lot to me and, more importantly, to the club, the players who have been there for a while, and the fans. The last 10 years have been difficult for the club, from being in the Premier League to being relegated and relegated again.
“It would be class to secure promotion with them.
“We have a lot of games coming up, and I’m concentrating on what I’m doing on the field; anything else is not really the focus for the time being.”