Sunderland coach explains why it was the 'right thing' for Andrew Nelson to join Dundee as striker posts emotional message

Andrew Nelson has joined Dundee on a permanent deal.

The 21-year-old left Wearside in January, signing a permanent two-and-a-half-year deal with the Scottish Premiership side.

Nelson has enjoyed a strong start to life north of the border, scoring three goals in five games including a brace in the 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock last week.

The academy product, who was due to be out of contract this summer, took to social media to post a lengthy comment about his time at Sunderland.

Nelson, in response to an article about his departure, tweeted: "I'd like to say that I owe everything I am to Sunderland.

"They shaped me into the person and the player I am, along with the clubs that I had the privilege to go and play for on loan.

"Without Sunderland, I wouldn't have been able to achieve my dream of being a professional footballer, and that is something that I cannot thank them enough for.

"Ideally I would of loved to play for Sunderland. but unfortunately opportunities went by and injuries took their toll.

"Everyone at the club throughout my time there has given me the best opportunity to go out and make a living in the game, and that is what all those years of training have prepared me for.

"So no matter what has happened, I'll always have Sunderland in my heart and wish them every success in the future."

The striker had been on the radar of a number of clubs with the forward available following a successful loan spell at National League North side Darlington after returning from a bad foot injury.

That loan spell proved a success with Nelson building his match fitness and scoring six goals in five games and he is now enjoying a new challenge with Dundee.

His former Sunderland U23 coach Elliot Dickman told the Echo: "I think Andrew was ready for senior football, he's had a couple of good loans in the past, he had a really good one at Darlington where he got some goals.

"I think for his sake it was the right thing for him to move on so good luck to Andrew he's been, from my point of view, fantastic personally.

"He's done really well throughout his time in the academy but now it's about Andrew getting a career in the game and being in an environment that's different

"He's got to stand on his own two feet a bit more which will be good for him."