South Shields boss reacts as Bali Mumba joins on first Sunderland loan

The 18-year-old has joined the Mariners until the end of the season and could make his debut against Bamber Bridge this Saturday.

The midfielder has long been considered one of the brighest talents in the Black Cats academy, and made his senior debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunderland’s final day in the Championship.

After making a major impression on then new manager Jack Ross in the following pre-season, he started against Charlton Athletic on opening day of the campaign.

He has found senior action harder to come by this season and has been limited to just one appearance against Grimsby Town in the EFL Trophy.

He has not made an appearance under Phil Parkinson.

South Shields joint manager Graham Fenton said: “We're delighted to have someone of Bali's calibre joining us for the final push in the league season.

"He is very highly-regarded at Sunderland, having been regularly involved in the first-team squad over the last two years, and we'd like to thank all the members of staff at Sunderland who have enabled this to happen.

"Bali will give us undoubted real quality and athleticism, and I'm sure he will gain massively from the experience with us across the two-month period.

"We're looking forward to getting him started."

South Shields currently sit top of the BetVictor Northern Premier League ahead of the final games of the season.