Sunderland transfer signing plays as Chris Rigg inspires under-18s to win over Man City

One of Sunderland's newest recruits, Ivan Struk, played 45 minutes as the under-18s defeated their Manchester City counterparts on Friday night.

Sunderland have reached a pre-contract agreement with the Ukranian to sign with the club, as recently revealed by The Echo.

The 16-year-old cannot yet sign full-time terms at Sunderland until January but has agreed a pre-scholarship with the Black Cats and is now featuring regularly for the club's under-18s side.

Sruk played alongside Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg as the under-18s ran out 3-1 winners against Manchester City in the under-18 Premier League competition.

Sunderland took the lead through Ben Creamer after 48 minutes only to have Manchester CIty's Farid Alfa-Ruprecht net an equaliser just two minutes later.

The Black Cats took the lead once again, though, as Rigg netted before exciting Trey Ogunsuyi slotted away a penalty to seal victory on the road for Fin Lynch's side.

Sunderland are now 10th in the under-18 Premier League but will now face Middlesbrough in the FA Youth Cup at the Stadium of Light this coming Thursday.