Salford City head coach Karl Robinson has hinted he would like to extend goalkeeper Matty Young’s loan spell into next season after a string of impressive performances.
The 18-year-old is currently enjoying his first taste of EFL action in his young career, having joined the Ammies on a season-long loan from Championship outfit Sunderland in the summer. He has had to be patient when it comes to opportunities in the starting lineup, playing second fiddle to Jamie Jones for the first few months of the campaign.
Young was handed his league debut against Harrogate Town in December, which resulted in a 2-0 win. He retained his place and has since emerged as Robinson’s first choice. In nine league appearances, he has kept seven clean sheets.
The England under-20 international was given his first taste of elite football earlier this month when he started against Manchester City in the FA Cup third round. It ultimately proved to be a day to forget though, with the Premier League champions emerging with an 8-0 win.
“It’s Unfortunate”
Sunderland have built a reputation in recent years at producing top class goalkeepers. Current England number one Jordan Pickford cut his cloth at the Stadium of Light whilst their present number one Anthony Patterson has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.
Young appears to be the next in line. His experience at Salford is turning into a valuable one. Speaking to The Chronicle, Robinson has hinted that he would like to extend his loan into next season:
“It’s unfortunate, he’s not my player. And again, his parents will have their own ways of deciding what he does. Will there be the same manager (at Sunderland)? All these things that go along with being part of another football club, will determine where he plays next season.
“All I can say is that he’s going to be playing on Saturday and I’m expecting him to perform to the levels he’s played over recent weeks. I’ve never looked too far ahead, it’s all about what happens today and tomorrow for us.”
Writer’s View
Whilst the sky appears to be the limit for Young, a return to the Peninsula Stadium is not beyond the realms of possibility. Sunderland may wish to send the teenager out on loan to a higher division, such is the nature in which he has taken to League Two. This could be with Salford, who are targeting a place in League One for the first time in their history. They currently sit seventh in the table, the final play-off spot, although they are just two points off the automatic promotion places. If they can go up, there is no reason why Young couldn’t stick around for another season.
