Harker makes return for a second Cats trial spell
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Nathan Harker is back on trial at Sunderland.
It is understood that Harker - who spent time training with the Black Cats during the 2019/20 campaign - was the goalkeeper named on the bench for the Under-23 game against Leeds United yesterday afternoon.
Harker was released by Newcastle in the summer of 2020 and had spent the early weeks of the year on trial with Sunderland having been told his future lay away from St James's Park. And having yet to find a club after leaving the Premier League outfit, Harker is now back on trial at the Academy of Light.
The 22-year-old wasn't the only trialist included in the squad against Leeds, with striker Alfie Cerruli handed a start. The former Braintree man, who also spent time with Colchester United, turned out for Sunderland' s second string late last year and was given another opportunity at Thorp Arch.
Meanwhile, Sunderland Under-23s were beaten 2-0 in the in the Premier League 2 fixture thanks to goals in each half from Tyler Roberts and Ni all Huggins.
It was Elliott Dickman’s side’s first game this year due to a Covid-19 outbreak prior to Christmas and further postponements.
After 20 minutes, Sunderland were undone when Almond’s challenge resulted in a penalty and Tyler Roberts calmly slotted home.
The hosts continued to dominate and doubled their advantage in the second half when Niall Huggins fired home from inside. Sunderland looked lively after Leeds’ second and almost had one back when Stephen Wearne’s halfvolley was cleared off the line with Kiko Casilla beaten.