Anthony Patterson's breakthrough offers Sunderland's academy keepers hope

Anthony Patterson's breakthrough season at Sunderland has given youngster Jacob Carney something to aim for, according to U23 coach Michael Proctor. Academy graduate Patterson has graduated from the club's U23 ranks to the senior side this term, making his league debut for the Black Cats back in August before joining National League Notts County on loan.

The 21-year-old was then recalled at the beginning of January and had a short spell in the side when both Thorben Hoffmann and Lee Burge were both suffering from Covid. With Burge still absent, Hoffmann then reclaimed the shirt briefly before falling ill which let Patterson back in.

And Patterson has kept his place in the side ever since, despite on-loan Bayern Munich man Hoffmann returning to fitness, with head coach Alex Neil stating recently that the youngster is in the side on merit. Patterson's progress has delighted academy coaching staff such as Proctor and goalkeeping coach Mark Prudhoe, and his success offers hope for Carney who has become the regular U23 keeper since joining last summer having left Manchester United.

"It's fantastic for Patto [Patterson]," said Proctor.

"He's been really patient over the last few years, he's been with us a long time and Mark Prudhoe has worked really hard with him to get him to where he is now - I'm sure Patto would be the first person to say that.

"We're all thrilled with Anthony's progress this season and to see him in the first team and performing really well.

"For players like Jacob, it's a real plus for them to see someone else doing well and I'm sure he will want to follow in Anthony's footsteps.

"He'll see it as an opportunity because this manager [Neil] isn't afraid to chuck young players in."

Carney has turned in some