Sunderland academy goalkeeper Isaac Allan has returned to National League North newcomers Hebburn Town on loan until January.

Sunderland academy goalkeeper Isaac Allan believes he is facing ‘a big six months’ as he looks to earn a new contract by impressing during a half-season loan spell with National League North newcomers Hebburn Town.

The 20-year-old stopper spent time on loan with the Hornets last season as they were crowned Northern Premier League Premier Division champions before returning to the Black Cats during the final week of the campaign. However, he has returned to the Trustmark Group Stadium ahead of their first ever season in the second tier of non-league football and produced a solid display in Saturday’s impressive 3-1 home win against Southport.

Sunderland goalkeeper Isaac Allan has returned to Hebburn Town for a second loan spell (photo Tyler Lopes) | Tyler Lopes

placeholder image — Sunderland goalkeeper Isaac Allan has returned to Hebburn Town for a second loan spell (photo Tyler Lopes) | Tyler Lopes

Speaking after the victory, Allan revealed he is keen to impress Sunderland in a bid to earn a new deal that will extend his stay on Wearside.

He told The Echo: “Sunderland just want me to get games in because it’s a big six months for me. I am fighting for another contract and we will see what happens. What a young goalie wants is games under their belt and I’ve got that with my loans. I just want to push on during these six months and see what happens. I want to prolong my time at Sunderland and see where things go. If not, I’ll have games on my CV and that’s where loans help because the only way you get noticed is by playing games.”

Allan praised his Hebburn team-mates after goals from Jake Charles, Matty Cornish and fellow loan signing Josh Donaldson helped them claim a historic win against Southport that ensured they made a positive start to life in the National League North in front of over 1,200 supporters at the Trustmark Group Stadium.

He said: “The changing room last year was one of the best I’ve been in so to come back here after last year, to get more games in at a higher level, I couldn’t wait to get back. The lads pushed well today and Southport will be a tough team this season. Our work through the week was about keeping them quiet, we did that today and we deserved the win. It’s a lot more difficult with bodies in the box this year but with games to come, we will get better.”

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