Pickford: No way I’ll follow Colback and join Magpies
SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Jordan Pickford says he could never emulate former team-mate Jack Colback and join Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper has emerged this season as one of the brightest young English prospects and is tipped by many to be a future England No 1.
A firm favourite among Black Cats fans, he has been nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award after a stellar first full season in the top flight.
That has also earned him two call-ups to the England squad, although he is yet to earn his first full cap.
As David Moyes’ side edge closer to relegation, it is looking increasingly likely the Washington-born shot-stopper may have to find a new club next season to increase his chances of earning a place on the plane to Russia for next summer’s World Cup.
However, during a feature interview with Sky Sports’ Dave Jones – also a Sunderland fan – Pickford revealed he would never sign for the club’s fierce rivals Newcastle United.
Looking at a squad photo which included Magpies’ midfielder Colback, Pickford revealed: “Jack is playing on the other side of the water these days, unfortunately.
“I would never do that. I could not do it myself. I would never go to Newcastle.”
The Tyne-Wear rivals look set to trade places next season, Rafa Benitez’s side looking likely to gain promotion at the first time of asking.
While most Sunderland fans have resigned themselves to the fact relegation would likely mean they would lose the popular academy graduate, Pickford insists he has not thought about his future yet.
Instead, he remains determined to help Sunderland complete another unlikely survival.
He added: “Leaving is not something I have looked at yet and it is not something I want to look at either.
“I want to stay up in the Premier League and to help keep Sunderland up would be a dream.
“It is going to be hard for us to do. Not staying up would be a kick in the teeth.
“As a local lad I know what this means to the fans and we as a team will be doing all we can try and avoid that.
“It is going to be a tough task but we have to have the belief we can do it.”