‘Great opportunity’ – Sunderland chief reacts as highly-rated midfielder seals loan transfer move to south Shields.

The Sunderland youngster has secured a short-term loan move during the transfer window.

Sunderland’s 19-year-old midfielder Ben Middlemas has completed a short-term move to local non-league side South Shields.

Middlemas has been part of Sunderland’s under-21 squad for a while and recently made an appearance off the bench for Graeme Murty’s side against Newcastle United in Premier League 2 earlier this week. He signed his first professional contract with Sunderland earlier this summer.

Now, Middlemas has agreed to a one-month loan with South Shields, which will last until September 22, as he seeks to gain experience in men’s senior football.

“This is a great opportunity for Ben to challenge himself in a new environment,” said Sunderland’s academy manager Robin Nicholls about the loan move.

“It will be his first step into men’s football and a chance to demonstrate his abilities in a senior setting. We’ve been pleased with his progress over the last six months and hope this experience will further his development.”

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