Newcastle United goalkeeper starts second game for Sunderland Under-23s in Premier League Cup clash

The young Black Cats face Wigan in the Premier League Cup (7pm kick-off) after beating Huddersfield in the same competition a week ago.

As Sunderland coach Elliott Dickman told the Echo last week, Harker, 21, remains a Newcastle player but is still allowed to train with Sunderland.

Following the win over Huddersfield, Dickman said: “The keeper, Nathan, has made a couple of good saves.

“He’s been training with us for a couple of days and he was smashing tonight. Hopefully he’ll play again next Monday and he does as well.”

“He’s still at Newcastle, but he’s allowed to visit and trial at other clubs,” continued Dickman.

“We’ve took that opportunity to bring him in and have a look. Hopefully he does well and he enjoys it.”