While the Sunderland first-team may be struggling at the moment, one Black Cats star out on loan just made a big breakthrough with his temporary club.
Sunderland are now without a win in six matches, and their hopes of a promotion push this season are beginning to fade.
Still, Sunderland fans have been told not to panic about the recent run of form, and there is faith that Regis Le Bris can turn things around very soon.
And, there is one reason to cheer, as a top talent for the future is proving to be one of the most successful Sunderland players out on loan right now.
- READ MORE: Three Sunderland academy gems Regis Le Bris has to use vs Stoke City in FA Cup third round
Matty Young excels on League Two debut, pulls off incredible double save
There had been much talk about Matty Young and his situation at Salford City, with the youngster only being given a couple of opportunities in the cup so far.
But, the 18-year-old was handed his league debut on Tuesday night for the clash with Harrogate Town, and within two minutes he showed exactly why he should have been starting all along.
First, Young parried a ferocious shot from outside the box, and then immediately got back to his feet to smother the Harrogate attack once more with an incredible close-range stop before the ball was sent wide.
Young went on to keep a clean sheet as Salford secured a 2-0 win, and Sunderland fans keeping an eye on his progress were very pleased with what they saw.
Sunderland’s official Twitter/X account congratulated Young on his impressive league debut, telling him to “keep up the great work,” while one fan heralded Young as Sunderland’s “future number one.”
Meanwhile, one supporter used Young’s success to take a dig at a former Black Cats star, writing: “Jack Clarke stinker and Matty Young clean sheet on EFL debut, happy Tuesday everyone.”
Another fan gave Young a big “well done” for his efforts, while Roker Report drew attention to the teenager’s achievement and praised his clean sheet.
- READ MORE: Sunderland handed ‘opportunity’ vs Stoke City in FA Cup third round, but fans all agree on one thing
Matty Young’s future may have been sealed by that one performance
Before the game against Harrogate, it was suggested that Kristjaan Speakman was planning to recall Matty Young from his loan spell unless he started playing in the league for Salford City this month.
Now, the future looks very promising indeed for Young, and after his display last night, it would be safe to assume he will continue to start in goal for Salford for the foreseeable future.
This performance comes off the back of Young’s heroics in the FA Cup where he earned the Player of the Match award after saving a penalty and helping Salford through to the third round.
If he can keep up his form, Young will stand himself in good stead to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Patterson and Jordan Pickford as great young goalkeepers to emerge from the Sunderland academy.