Some of our boys have played for their country, despite Sunderland’s absence this week. Furthermore, during the week, one young man excelled for his loan club.

BALLARD ON THE SCORESHEET

Dan Ballard scored the first goal in Northern Ireland’s 2-0 triumph over Belarus on Friday night, helping them win easily. Before being replaced, the defender played 76 minutes and scored in the 50th minute. Ballard hadn’t started for either club or country since suffering an ankle injury during Sunderland’s loss at Plymouth in mid-September, so this is a great boost for Regis Le Bris. Ballard and his SAFC teammate Trai Hume started together, maintaining a clean sheet in a back three while the centre half who scored the goals was named Man of the Match.

YOUNG SHINES ON LOAN

Matty Young, who is on loan at Salford City, has had difficulty playing for the first team, but he made headlines in the middle of the week when he stopped two penalties in one half! Although he has not yet made his League Two debut, he has played goal in four cup events while competing. Throughout the week, he helped Salford defeat Wolves U21s 3-2 in the EFL Trophy by saving two spot kicks.

Young stated following the game: “I have to seize every chance I get; it (cup experience) is crucial for me.” Although I am aware that Jay [Jamie Jones] is clearly succeeding in the league and that I have not yet been given the chance, I must seize the chance to play in the FA Cup or Papa John’s and demonstrate my abilities.