OTD: NIALL HUGGINS DEBUT

On this day in 2021, Niall Huggins made his debut for Sunderland in a 3-2 win against Blackpool in the League Cup.

Born in York (although he represents Wales), Huggins came through the ranks at Leeds United and made his Premier League debut at Arsenal in 2021. He and Jack Clarke actually came through the same age group.

Niall arrived on Wearside that summer despite having two years left on his Leeds contract. It was reportedly a free transfer but included a sell-on fee. Huggins was seen as a versatile option, a both-sided fullback who could also fill in central midfield.

His debut for the Lads came in a Carabao Cup 3-2 win against Blackpool, where Aiden O’Brien scored a hat-trick. However, a series of serious injuries limited Huggins’ opportunities in League One. He only made two league appearances which both came in September, against Bolton Wanderers then Cheltenham Town. He wasn’t seen for the rest of the season due to several strange injuries, such as a stress fracture in his back, problems with the backs of his knees and frustrating bone issues.

He managed just four games in our first season back in the Championship, against Birmignham City in the league, a couple of appearances off of the bench in the play-offs and against Fulham in the FA Cup. Huggins then became a regular feature in the first half of the 2023/24 season but he picked up an injury in December and was out for the rest of the season. His goal against Watford in October won the Championship Goal of the Month award.

There were no appearances last season and this season he's managed to play in a number of pre-season friendlies but is behind Trai Hume in the pecking order for right backs. His contract expires at the end of the season, you'd assume he'll be on his way out. It's a shame because when he does manage to get on the pitch, he tends to play well.