Tony Mowbray delivers verdict on Anthony Patterson's impressive progress - and where Sunderland youngster can still improve

There were one or two uncertain moments in possession but the youngster kept his side in the contest with some excellent saves in both halves.

Patterson has been ever-present in the Championship so far this season, underlining his exceptional rise from playing in the National League this time last year.

While head coach Tony Mowbray has identified areas for improvement, he has been hugely impressed with the 22-year-old.

"He does things naturally that I like about goalkeepers," Mowbray said.

"He takes a really good starting position, he's not always stuck on his line, so if the ball is out wide and they are going to cross it, he is generally on the edge of his six-yard box knowing that he can get to the near post if there is miskicked cross that looks like it is going in.

"At times he has shown a little bit of hesitancy, but he is a young boy and he is playing behind experienced players like Danny Batth. He has to learn to use his voice and take command of his area, but generally his shot-stopping and his distribution has been pretty good.

"If you want to break goalkeepers down, it's not just about saving shots it's about taking crosses. It's about the bravery of their positional play as the game is going on.

"Are they threatening every cross that comes in, or are they always glued to their line? He's shown good qualities to be brave but also to keep the ball out of his net, he has made some good saves.

"We like him, we like his personality and that is something we are developing further," he added.

"He's a good boy, very understated in his demeanour. He's not a shouter.

"He's a big, solid goalkeeper who is doing exceptionally well really. He has that knack of putting himself in the way, he's made some really good saves today.

"Hopefully he'll continue to be a big asset for the club."