Stephen Elliott: Lee Johnson should consider this bold move with Sunderland goalkeepers

Lee Johnson spoke out last week about how he sees Anthony Patterson’s future moving forward.
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He seems a big admirer of the young goalie and alluded to possibly sending him on loan for some first team experience in the future.

Looking at the goalkeeper situation at the club this season you would have to say it’s an area that has not been consistently strong.

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Both Remi Matthews and Lee Burge, the former especially in recent weeks, have looked uncertain in the No1 position.

Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson.Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson.
Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson.

With that in mind and with three games coming where there is not huge pressure on I would not be against giving Patterson the opportunity to get some experience in these games.

Who knows, it could be the making of him and it could sort out a big issue at the club?

The defence has not seemed fully confident in either keeper this year and maybe putting the young lad in will give everyone a lift.

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Patterson has put in some strong showings for the Under-23s and would no doubt love the opportunity of a go in the first team.

It would be a huge call from Johnson if he did put Patterson in but one that could prove to be a masterstroke.

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