Anthony Patterson discusses play-off push with boyhood club Sunderland

Boyhood Sunderland fan Anthony Patterson spent the first half of this season on loan at National League club Notts County.

However, the 21-year-old was recalled in January and has started the last ten games for the Black Cats and kept five clean sheets in his six previous matches.

He has credited his loan move for his ability to be in good form in League One as he told Sunderland Echo: “I think I’ve grown and progressed well from my time there.”

Despite goalkeeper Thorben Hoffman, who is on loan from Bayern Munich, being fit again after returning from illness, Patterson has started every game since Alex Neil’s arrival in February and reflecting on his run of games he said: “It gave me great confidence knowing that the manager has put his faith in me. I want to repay that faith back to him by performing well.”

Sunderland now have six games to go and sit sixth in the league making the play-offs a realistic ambition for the Black Cats this season.

As his side push to remain in the top six, Patterson gave his thoughts on the battle as he said: “I’m loving it and as a young player it’s what you want to do. You want to play the games at first-team level and thankfully I’ve been able to do that this season.

“There’s no better feeling than walking out of the tunnel before the game and just hearing the fans roar and cheer. It gives me goosebumps.

“I’ve been here since I was ten-years-old and I never really thought of being at the Stadium playing in front of that many people.

“It’s a proud moment for me and my family and I hope it can continue.”

The Verdict: 

Patterson has been brilliant since he stepped up for Sunderland this season and no doubt will be full of confidence right now and looking to extend his good form right up