Younger’s move to Doncaster good for his development – Speakman

Kristjaan Speakman said it was the right decision for Ollie Younger to leave Sunderland in search of increased game time at senior level.

Younger has joined Doncaster Rovers on an 18-month contract, and is expected to immediately challenge for a first-team spot as they look to avoid relegation from League One.

The 22-year-old has been a regular part of the senior environment at Sunderland since arriving from Burnley 18 months ago, and has impressed when called upon.

But the arrival of Danny Batth has added further competition for places at the heart of defence.

"Ollie has really progressed over the last 18 months, but not populated the starting eleven enough due to the competition between our senior players," Speakman said.

“We believe that it’s important he continues his development to build a career and Doncaster represents a fantastic opportunity for him. Whilst the selfish approach would be to retain him, we need to support our young players with the right decisions at the right time. He’s a great kid and we wish him well.”

Younger said the opportunity to challenge for league minutes was 'massive'. “I’m delighted to be here," he said. "It was a massive opportunity for me that I could not turn down.

“I want to be playing and this is the perfect opportunity for me to be around a first team environment and get some games under my belt."

Younger is expected to be in contention for his Doncaster debut when they face League One promotion hopefuls MK Dons on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sunderland midfielder Luke O’Nien has returned to training at the Academy of Light.

That’s after the player went under the knife and had surgery to fix a longstanding shoulder problem.

O’Nien was ruled out for at least three months at the beginning of November.

*Sheffield Wednesday are said to be winning the race for in-demand Brighton & Hove Albion defender Haydon Roberts.

Reports suggest the Owls in the driving seat to sign the 19-year-old England youth international. There is also interest in Roberts from Championship trio Nottingham Forest, Swansea City and Cardiff City.