Anthony Patterson reveals what he’s been doing for Sunderland gem Harrison Jones
Harrison Jones is the latest Sunderland academy product to be exposed to first-team football, with Regis Le Bris handing the midfielder a starting berth in recent weeks.
As the Black Cats approach the play-offs, Le Bris has rotated his side in order to keep them fresh and the midfielder has benefited from this approach.
Like Jones, goalkeeper Anthony Patterson also came through the academy and he has shared what he has been doing for the 20-year-old.
Patterson shares his thoughts on Jones
Patterson rose through the ranks in the North East and has not looked back since securing the number one shirt on Wearside.
He is among a collective of players to come through the academy, along with the likes of Chris Rigg and Dan Neil, who are both regular starters.
With Jones now following the same path, Patterson has shared his thoughts on the midfielder and how he has been supporting him.
“Yeah, Jones is a great player. Works his socks off in training, and yeah, he’s been brilliant and he deserves his start there this afternoon,” he told the Sunderland Echo (23 April) after defeat to Blackburn Rovers.
“I know obviously the feeling of first coming into the team as a young lad, and yeah, I like to give a little bit of advice and help them through.”
Jones set to follow in Patterson’s footsteps
While Jones’ inclusion in the Sunderland side has largely been down to Le Bris’ decision to keep the squad fit, there are signs he will become a regular in the future.
After making his Championship debut as a substitute against Norwich City, the 20-year-old started in a central attacking-midfield role against Swansea City and Blackburn Rovers.
Although both matches ended in defeat, Jones showed promise with some mature performances for the North East club.
| Harrison Jones’ statistics against Blackburn Rovers | Total |
| Minutes played | 64 |
| Touches | 42 |
| Accurate passes | 26/30 (87%) |
| Key passes | 3 |
| Ground duels (won) | 6 (4) |
Of course, Jobe Bellingham has made that position his own since signing from Birmingham City, but his future is very much in the air.
If the Wearsiders fail to achieve promotion to the Premier League, then it is expected that the bids will come flying in for the Sunderland teenager.
Indeed, if Sunderland remain in the Championship next season, then Jones will likely become a more consistent starter at the Stadium of Light.
On the flip side, if the club were to achieve promotion, then he would surely have his minutes limited as the Black Cats would need to strengthen in the summer window.
Whatever happens, the North East outfit have a future talent on their hands and there is every reason to be optimistic about his progress.