The ex-Sunderland players Ethan Robson can look to for motivationThe ex-Sunderland players Ethan Robson can look to for motivation
The ex-Sunderland players Ethan Robson can look to for motivation

The 11 Sunderland loan stars who can provide Ethan Robson with some motivation as he impresses at Grimsby Town

With Ethan Robson the latest Sunderland player earning warm reviews away on loan, the value of young players leaving the Stadium of Light to gain first-team experience is clear.

But just how often has a Black Cats player – or Sunderland themselves - reaped the benefits of swapping reserve or junior team football on Wearside for a baptism in senior football elsewhere? Here are 11 Sunderland players for whom life after being borrowed was anything but blue. Scroll down click through the pages to find out who Ethan Robson can look to for some motivation: