Ahmed Abdullahi appeared for a Sunderland XI in their pre-season friendly draw at South Shields on Saturday lunchtime.

Sunderland forward Ahmed Abdullahi was praised for his attitude and work-rate after featuring for a Black Cats XI in their pre-season friendly draw at National League North club South Shields.

As his more senior team-mates got their preparations for a historic campaign underway with a friendly fixture at League Two newcomers York City, the Nigeria Under-20 international was part of a youthful Sunderland squad that made the short trip to Mariners Park.

Ahmed Abdullahi in action for a Sunderland XI in their pre-season friendly draw at South Shields (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

placeholder image — Ahmed Abdullahi in action for a Sunderland XI in their pre-season friendly draw at South Shields (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

Abdullahi was named alongside the likes of Isaac Allan, Marcus Neill and Lewis Campbell and played a part in the first goal of the game as the Black Cats youngsters edged themselves in front on the half-hour mark. The former KAA Gent forward cut in from the left and forced a smart save out of Mariners goalkeeper Jasper Sheik before Kay Munyakazi fired in the rebound from a narrow angle.

Abdullahi was replaced as half-time as Sunderland Head Professional Development Phase (PDP) Coach Matt Craddock opted to introduce an even more youthful looking side for the second 45 minutes. An equaliser from former Notts County and Carlisle United forward Cedwyn Scott ensured the Black Cats had to settle for a draw on what was a largely positive day for Craddock and his players as they showed up well against a home side expected to challenge for promotion into the National League during the new season.

Abdullahi will hope his performance will have caught the eye of first-team head coach Regis Le Bris as he looks to put himself in contention for a competitive senior debut over what will be a hectic season - and the young forward has already done enough to draw praise from academy coach Craddock.

He told The Echo: “Ahmed was obviously the most senior player and that’s a big challenge for a senior player to come and play with such a young group. He conducted himself really, really well. He worked really hard, he was involved in the goal and he was encouraging the lads during the 45 minutes that he got so I was pleased with his attitude today.”

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