Younger will make impact straightaway
LEE Johnson says Ollie Younger has a chance to kick-start his career and make an immediate impact in League One following the defender’s move to Doncaster Rovers.
The 22-year-old centre-back – whose contract with Sunderland was due to expire in the summer – has signed an 18-month deal with the South Yorkshire outfit.
He could make his debut for his new club at MK Dons on Saturday as basement side Rovers battle relegation.
Johnson gave Younger his league debut in March but the former Burnley academy man has been restricted to just five appearances in cup competitions this season - although he has regularly been named on the subs’ bench in the league.
Johnson said: “I could have kept Ollie here but to do that would have been selfish of me.
“It would not have been right for the club or for Ollie.
“I love Ollie, I love the way he trains, I think he brings a dynamic and an honesty to training and I really wish him the best of luck.
“I will always follow him and I ewillalways be there for him if he ever needs anything.
“It is great for him to kick-start his career in League One at a good club where he can compete straightaway for a place.”
For his part, Younger expressed his thanks to Sunderland on social media as he departed.
He said: “Delighted to have signed for @drfc_official, really looking forward to a new chapter and getting started!
“Thankyou to @SunderlandAFC for the past year and a half or so - loved my time there, met some great people and made some great memories. ”
Younger came through the ranks at Turf Moor and spent a spell at League of Ireland side St Patrick’s in early 2020.
He joined Sunderland in September 2020 and has played much of his football for the under-23s.