SUNDERLAND yesterday secured the long-term futures of 11 potential first-team stars. And another expected, if rather more expensive summer purchase, Wolvesâ striker Steven Fletcher, learned that while his club do want him to stay they acknowledge a serious offer would see them lose their top goalscorer. Black Cats boss Martin OâNeill gave the green light for a full team of youngsters to be given improved contracts, a clear indication that youth will be given their opportunity at Sunderland over the next few years. Goalkeeper Ben Wilson, along with defenders Louis Laing, Blair Adams, Liam Marrs and Jordan Watson, plus midfielders Roarie Deacon, James Armstrong and Adam Reed, will all be given time and a genuine opportunity to make a breakthrough at the Stadium of Light. Academy players Connor Oliver and Anthony Callaghan, who are both defenders, and striker Jordan Laidler, were also given their first professional contracts. The older players, such as Laing, 19, and former Arsenal professional Deacon, 20, could be put out on loan for most of next season, as OâNeill has never been a manager willing to give young players a game before he considered them 100 per cent ready. As for Fletcher, new Wolves boss Stale Solbakken broke his silence on the matter yesterday by admitting that it would be hard for the relegated club to hold on to the £10million-rated Scot when a bid is eventually offered to the Midlands club. Wolves have both publicly and privately been insistent that they did not need to sell.
I'll stick me neck out and say Laing will play for England. The lad oozes class. Good defensively, good distribution, comfortable kicking with either foot, a rarity, and physically there already.
