Advocaat Admits Sunderland Hot Prospect Needs First Team Football

Jordan Pickford has the talent to succeed at the top level, but he needs regular football in order to progress, according to Dick Advocaat. The 21-year-old was rumoured to be Advocaat's chosen Number 2 for this Premier League season, with Vito Mannone reportedly heading out of the exit door. However the Italian is still on Wearside and will battle Costel Pantilimon for the starting slot while Pickford gains Championship experience at Preston North End. Many inside the club are touting Pickford to be the long-term 'keeper on Wearside, according to the Shields Gazette, with Advocaat keeping a keen eye on his development. The Sunderland boss told the Gazette: €œWe made the decision about Jordan after a lot of thought because he is a very talented goalkeeper for us. He€™s a Sunderland player, but if Pantilimon continues playing like he has and Jordan wasn€™t really getting any football, there was always the chance we could lose him. €œHe€™s a great goalkeeper, but he needs to play. That€™s the reason that we took that decision.€ If Pickford proves shines in the second tier, there's every chance he could be drafted up into the first team squad as backup when Mannone eventually leaves, or could even be handed the gloves if Pantilimon departs, though that seems like a long way in the future at the moment.