Michael: I learned a lot in Norway

When most 20-year-olds move away from home for the first time, they don’t tend to move to a different country.

But that’s exactly what Black Cats defender Michael Ledger did to broaden his football horizons and boost his chances of first-team football at Sunderland.

The promising centreback played every minute for Viking Stavanger in the Norwegian top flight during his 13-game spell, catching the eye of scouts.

Ledger impressed Viking boss Ian Burchnall during his loan spell, which saw him play 1,170 first-team minutes – learning the hard way in a struggling side.

“I was looking to get out on loan in the January window,” revealed Ledger.

“A few options fell at the final hurdle and then my agent just said ‘did you know the European window is still open and how do you fancy Norway?’

“I said ‘book me a flight and I’m there’.

“It was an English coach – that helped a lot – and I clicked straight away.

“They put me up in my own flat, the standard of football was good, it was really professional. We struggled a bit with a young team, but, looking back, that was a good thing for me – I learned the hard way.

“There was some challenging times, but those challenges make you stronger. I learned an awful lot and am now reaping the rewards.”

Ledger, now on loan at National League side Hartlepool United, had the chance to go back to Norway, but he wanted to fight for his place under new SAFC boss Simon Grayson.

“I came back from Norway and went straight into pre-season at Sunderland, but it didn’t really go to plan,” aded Ledger.

“I went away with the first team but didn’t get much game time. I had a sit down with the coaching staff and said I want to get back out on loan somewhere because I’d had that taste of first-team football and I wanted to continue.

“The coaching staff said ‘Hartlepool are interested’, I looked at the fixtures and there were so many – just what I needed – a physical test and I was at a stage where I needed to step outside of my comfort zone.

“I would have gone anywhere on loan, as you can see from Norway.”