Sunderland have reportedly added another Northern Irish youngster to their Academy of Light ranks.

The latest addition to Sunderland’s Academy of Light ranks has been described as ‘a great example’ for young players in his home country to follow.

As reported by The Echo earlier this week, Northern Ireland youth international defender Alfie Pollock has agreed to join Sunderland’s youth setup after impressing in the youth ranks of NIFL Premiership club Glenavon. The 16-year-old centre-back made his first-team debut as a late substitute in his side’s 3-2 defeat at Carrick Rangers on the final day of last season - and marked the occasion by racking up his first senior goal within eight minutes of his introduction into the game.

Pollock will now follow in the footsteps of fellow Northern Irish youngsters Matthew Burns and Rhys Walsh after they joined the Academy of Light ranks in recent seasons - although the latter has returned to his home country with Glentoran after leaving Sunderland this summer.

Glenavon manager Michael O’Connor praised Pollock for the development in his game over recent months and believes he has shown the way for other young prospects in Northern Ireland.

As per the Belfast News Letter, he told Glenavon’s official club website: "I’m delighted for Alfie. I’ve worked with Alfie for the last two or three years with the underage Northern Ireland underage set-up. He’s a great kid, he wants to listen, wants to learn. He came on the last game of the season for us and did really well, scored a goal. He was in my plans to be part of the first team this season so I’m disappointed he’s not, but I’m really happy for him and his family that he has this chance to go over to England and have a good career - I think Alfie will.

"We’ve had three, four or five (academy) players up with us in pre-season. If you look over the last seven, eight or nine years at the players we have brought through, I think it’s really important. When I came in, I wanted to bring players through from our academy and give them the chance to play first team, then hopefully they can get a move across the water. Alfie is a great example of a player who has done that and hopefully it goes well for him.”

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