Bainbridge open to loan move to get experience
Sunderland defender Jack Bainbridge has revealed that he would be interested in a loan exit this month - but that his long-term focus remains on the Black Cats.
The former Everton defender has been a regular for the under-23 side this term, and captained the team to their first victory of the season against Huddersfield Town on Monday evening.
And he is understood to be one of a number of players who could be in line for a loan move this month, should a suitable offer be presented.
That’s an opportunity Bainbridge would be keen to take.
“I’m at an age now where I need to play first-team football, so I would be interested in a loan if I can’t get firstteam football here,” he said.
“The short-term is that I just want to win games with the under-23s and get us enjoying football.
“But in the long-term, maybe I can push for firstteam football here - or if not, maybe I can go out on loan and go somewhere else to play first-team football.
“I just want to enjoy my football and have a good career, really.”
Bainbridge has already had a taste of first-team football this term, featuring for an injury-ravaged Sunderland during their FA Cup exit at Gillingham.
“It was great, I played in the Checkatrade last year but to play in a proper, competitive first-team game was good,” he said.
“I only got half an hour, but to make my debut properly was good. He [Phil Parkinson] said before it that I deserved to be here, and to go and enjoy it. The first team are doing well now, and I just want to see Sunderland do well.”