Sunderland must now unleash 21 y/o with “persistence” and “effortless” natural ability - opinion

Sunderland find themselves once again in a play-off race for the opportunity to earn promotion up to the Championship, currently sitting fifth in the League One standings on 63 points, with just nine games to go.

While they will need all the experience and leadership from the likes of Corry Evans, Bailey Wright and new signing Jermain Defoe to help them avoid slipping up anymore, the youthful energy and confidence of loanee Jack Clarke could help them fire to promotion.

It was a difficult start at Stadium of Light for the youngster sent from Tottenham, but after scoring a “rocket” in stoppage time against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night, his career might just begin to get back on track – right when the Black Cats need him most.

The 21-year-old posted a four-word message on his social media game, saying “all to play for” – which will surely excite fans with the temporary signing seeming committed to the cause and to achieving the target of securing Championship football for next season.

With every week his performances improve, which is evident by the fact that overall for Sunderland since joining he has averaged a 6.84 match rating, but in his last four games, he is averaging a 7.08 – which is a clear indication that he is beginning to settle in the North-East.

Despite on average appearing for just 43 minutes per game at Sunderland, Clarke has taken 1.2 shots per game, as well as winning over 50% of his duels and completing an impressive 92% of his dribbles.

Having shown plenty of potential before his move to Spurs, the winger earned praise regularly from Leeds fans, pundits and former players – including former Whites striker Noel Whelan, who said: “He has got a great ability to glide past players.

“I don’t think I’ve