Robson tipped as a key man for the future
ETHAN Robson can play a big part in Sunderland’s future, but Chris Coleman admits he has been protecting the young midfielder of late.
Robson, 21, made his full debut for Sunderland under Coleman in the FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough in January and has signed a new two-year contract with the Black Cats.
Similarly to many of the other academy graduates seeing plenty of first-team football this season, Robson’s full debut was rather forced upon him due to injuries within the squad.
Yet the Houghton-le-Spring born midfielder has not featured for the first team in the last six games - an unused substitute in five of those.
Coleman’s options have improved slightly of late and the Sunderland boss admits he felt he needed to protect the talented young schemer somewhat as the club continues to struggle at the bottom of the Championship.
On Robson’s new deal and lack of game time of late, Coleman said: “I was pleased to get him signed up.
“He is a terrific kid, he works hard, wants to improve.
“It is hard for him, we have given him game time in some of the matches but you cannot put that type of pressure on someone so young week-in, week-out.
“It is hard enough with Joel Asoro and Josh Maja but we have no choice there really.
“Robbo will come again, though, he wants to progress.
“He puts it in in training, then he is disappointed when he is not involved, which is a good sign.
“So I am pleased he has signed a new deal.”
Young prospects have played a significant part in Sunderland’s season this term.
In a campaign of very little to cheer about at the Stadium of Light, the emergence of many talented players graduating from the club’s academy has been one positive which sets up for a brighter future at least.
Coleman revealed this weekend that, with the club’s finances as they are, unless a takeover is complete then next season the academy players will be key again regardless of which division they find themselves in.
As well as Robson, one player whom Coleman has been high on is George Honeyman - even describing the midfielder as the man Sunderland need to build their future around.