Sunderland starlet Trey Ogunsuyi has completed a loan move to Shrewsbury Town

Sunderland striker Trey Ogunsuyi has joined EFL outfit Shrewsbury Town on loan until the end of the season, the club have confirmed.

Having scored 15 goals in 20 appearances for the Black Cats’ U21s last term, the promising centre-forward spent the first half of the current campaign with Scottish Premiership side Falkirk. The 19-year-old found game time hard to come by north of the border, however, and registered just two starts during his time with the Bairns, as well as seven further appearances from the bench, failing to find the back of the net.

It was revealed earlier this week that he had returned to the Academy of Light, and Sunderland have now taken the decision to send him out to Shrewsbury for the remainder of the season. At the time of writing, the Shrews are battling to avoid relegation from League Two, and are currently 22nd in the fourth tier, two points clear of Newport County and Harrogate Town beneath them.

What has been said about Sunderland’s decision to send Trey Ogunsuyi out on loan to Shrewsbury Town?

Addressing the decision to send Ogunsuyi out on loan, Sunderland academy manager Robin Nicholls said: “At this stage of his development, this loan is an exciting opportunity for Trey to earn minutes in an EFL environment. Shrewsbury are facing an important period and like us, they believe he can make an immediate impact. His previous loan at Falkirk provided a valuable taste of senior football, and it tested him in more ways than what can be seen on the pitch. Now, we look forward to seeing him rise to this next challenge.”

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For his part, Shrewbury boss Michael Appleton said: "Trey has got really good physical attributes, he is a big lad, he's strong and he's got good pace. I like the fact his movement is good. He is comfortable running in behind just as much as he is coming towards the ball. He gives you both options.

"He has scored goals at youth level. Now he needs to showcase his skills. He didn't get the minutes he would have wanted at Falkirk, but hopefully we can give him that opportunity and he can score a lot of goals for us."

Ogunsuyi made his senior debut for Sunderland this time last year, coming on as a late substitute in an FA Cup third round exit at the hands of Stoke City. The Belgian youth international was, however, included in Regis Le Bris’ senior matchday squad on several other occasions in the Championship, and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents currently working his way through the academy system on Wearside.

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