Nectarios Triantis sealed a deadline day loan move from Sunderland to Hibernian.
Triantis, 20, made the deadline day switch to Hibernian after struggling for game time in the first half of the season with Sunderland, following his summer move from Central Coast Mariners.
He remains a real prospect for the Black Cats but with the defensive line up unlikely to change, Sunderland took what Kristjaan Speakman describes as a ‘unique opportunity’ to send Triantis to Hibs, who are managed by Triantis’ former Mariners boss Nick Montgomery.
Hibernian, who replaced former Sunderland boss Lee Johnson with Montgomery, currently sit in 7th place of the Scottish Premiership table, and Triantis now has the chance to get some experience of British football under his belt.
Hibs also signed Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda on loan yesterday.
And sending a farewell message to his teammate, Sunderland teen Chris Rigg posted this message on his Instagram story:
Sunderland gem Rigg has featured seven times in the Championship this season, scoring one goal.
The 16-year-old made his first appearance under new boss Michael Beale in the last outing vs Stoke City, coming off the bench late on as Sunderland earned a much-needed three points.
Next season could be Nectarios Triantis’ season at Sunderland
Triantis remains a prospect for Sunderland.
It was always going to be tough for him to come in from Australia and hit the ground running at the Stadium of Light, especially when he’s competing with players like Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard for a spot in the starting XI.
But he has the chance to play some regular football now and under a familiar face in Montgomery too, and if he can manage to impress then he will surely push himself into Beale’s thinking for next season.
Sunderland aren’t actually well-stocked in the middle of defence with Ballard and Jenson Seelt just about the only natural centre-backs currently at the club; O’Nien and Trai Hume have been filling in there, and Beale may also utilise the likes of Dennis Cirkin and perhaps Leo Hjelde in the second half of the season.
So for Triantis, there certainly seems to be a spot in the first-team, albeit as a back-up to O’Nien and Ballard for the time being, so he has something to work towards ahead of next season.
For Sunderland though, a tricky trip to Middlesbrough lies ahead this weekend.
Beale got a much-needed win vs Stoke City last time out but a defeat here, and a poor performance to match, would pile all that early pressure back on his shoulders.
Kick off is at 12pm on Sunday.