Even though Sunderland aren't playing this week, some of our Lads have performed for their countries. Additionally, one young lad shone for his loan club during the week...
BALLARD ON THE SCORESHEET
Dan Ballard helped Northern Ireland to a comfortable victory on Friday night by scoring the opener in their 2-0 win over Belarus. The defender played 76 minutes, scoring in the 50th, before being subbed off. This comes as a welcome boost to Regis Le Bris because Ballard hadn't started a game for club or country since sustaining an ankle injury in Sunderland's defeat at Plymouth back in mid-September. Ballard started alongside his SAFC teammate Trai Hume, keeping a clean sheet in a back three with the goalscoring centre half being named Man of the Match.
YOUNG SHINES ON LOAN
Meanwhile, Matty Young has struggled for first-team action out on loan at Salford City but made the headlines mid-week as he saved two penalties in the space of one half! He is yet to make his League Two debut, but has made four competitive appearances in goal across four cup competitions. During the week he saved two spot kicks to help Salford to a 3-2 EFL Trophy win over Wolves U21s.
After the match Young said: “For me, it (cup experience) is vital; I have to take every opportunity I get. I know obviously Jay [Jamie Jones] is doing well in the league and I have not had an opportunity yet, but when I get the opportunity to play in the FA Cup or the Papa John’s, I have to take them and show what I can bring.”
