Allardyce: Pickford is Joe Hart in the making

SAM ALLARDYCE is ready to put his faith in Jordan Pickford — the goalkeeper he labels the next Joe Hart.

The Sunderland boss is willing to listen to offers for Costel Pantilimon and Vito Mannone after being impressed by his England Under 21 international.

Pickford, 21, has been recalled from his season-long loan at Championship club Preston and is set to make his debut in the FA Cup at holders Arsenal this afternoon.

‘He’s played every game at Preston, won a load of man-of-the-match awards and a load of praise from his manager,’ said Allardyce.

‘His development through his own determination has been excellent.

‘He’s going along the same lines as Joe Hart and Jack Butland, and I hope he follows in their footsteps.

‘Jordan is a Sunderland boy and a Sunderland fan, and he’s made such an outstanding impact at Preston that it would have been wrong not to bring him back here and try him at some stage.’

Allardyce has dropped former Manchester City keeper Pantilimon in recent weeks for ex-Arsenal man Mannone. And it now appears both their futures at the Stadium of Light are in doubt.

‘What does it say to Costel and Vito? More pressure, perform better,’ Allardyce said. ‘Somebody else is knocking on the door now.

‘Pickford won’t be going anywhere. If there was to be an offer for Costel or Vito, I’d probably call them in and say, “What do you want to do? Does it suit you and does it suit us?”’

David Ospina is set to start in Arsenal’s goal for the first time since his poor display in September’s shock Champions League defeat by Olympiacos.

Alexis Sanchez is out with a hamstring injury and Arsene Wenger revealed the forward is also likely to miss Wednesday’s Premier League clash at Liverpool.