Seems out of the kids, that at least one is to remain, maybe he'll make a breakthorough, STEVE Bruce will hold talks with Sunderlandâs coaching staff next week to discuss the future of teen prospect Louis Laing. The Sunderland boss admits Laing has been the big success story of the clubâs pre-season tour of Germany, with the 18-year-old making his first start for the Black Cats in Wednesdayâs defeat to Bundesliga high-fliers Hannover 96. England U19 international Laing had been expected to spend the season out on loan after impressing both at reserve and youth team level last year. But with Sunderland due to return home tonight after their final tour game against Borussia Monchengladbach, Bruce has already pencilled in discussions with academy manager Ged McNamee and reserve team coach Keith Bertschin. Bruce believes Laingâs development will be best served by continuing to train with the first-team squad after the teenager made his Premier League debut as a late substitute in the final home game of last season against Wolves. âI suppose the one whose grabbed everybody is Louis Laing,â Bruce told the Echo. âHeâs done very well and heâs got an outstanding future. âIâll speak to Ged and Bertsch when we get back. âBut I think heâll stay with us in or around the first-team squad. âHeâs done that well and itâs brought him on has playing with the better players. âThe academy have done some good stuff at this club, theyâve done really well. âIâm always a believer that if theyâre good enough, Iâll give them a shot. A good young player is important to have around. âHe played against Hannover as if he had 100 games under his belt â he was terrific. âHeâs very comfortable on the ball and a really good passer. If you like, heâs the modern-day centre-back as well, because heâs quick. âNow, we just need to work on the defensive side of things. Thereâs still a bit of work to be done there. âBut overall, he can be very pleased with what heâs done. Heâs come with the first-team squad and done very well.â Bruce admits Laing may be sent on loan in the second half of the season â following in the footsteps of Jordan Henderson and Jack Colback, who both prospered during temporary spells in the Championship. The Sunderland boss also expects the likes of Blair Adams, Ryan Noble and Billy Knott â all in America with the England squad ahead of the U20 World Cup â to go out on loan. Bruce added: âThe ones whoâve gone away with England U20 could be away for five weeks, so weâll see how they are when they get back. âBut Iâm a big believer that when they get to the right age, they should be going out to play and find their feet. âItâs done Jack no harm and did Jordan Henderson no harm. âEventually, it will probably happen to Louis that he can go and play. âMaybe by Christmas, weâll look at that and see if we can blood him somewhere.â On a side note, how do you say his name, Louis? Is it pro-nounced Lewis as in Lennox.
