Jon McLaughlin signed for Sunderland from Hearts in the summer.
Sunderland fielded three different goalkeepers last season on the path to relegation from the Championship, with Lee Camp, Jason Steele and Robin Ruitter all playing their part.
The Black Cats signed Jon McLaughlin as number one stopper for their season in League One this term, with the dismal Camp and Steele having been shown the exit door in the summer.
And up to now, the Scottish stopper has been nothing short of magnificent and has been a breath of fresh air after the horror show of last season between the sticks.
The 31-year-old Scot arrived on Wearside from Hearts on a free transfer and 12 appearances later McLaughlin has conceded just 13 goals, kept one clean sheet and saved two penalty kicks.
McLaughlin’s latest save from the spot came at Valley Parade against Bradford City in a 2-1 win for his side and his magnificent stop down to his right ensured all three points for the away side.
That save, as well as a penalty stop at home against Fleetwood Town last month, has been the reasoning for McLaughlin’s call-up to his national side Scotland this month.
The former Burton Albion stopper will be hoping to cement himself as a Scotland regular in net, with former Wearside keeper Craig Gordon and Rangers number one Allan McGregor there for healthy competition.
But most importantly for McLaughlin will be ensuring he plays a pivotal part in getting Sunderland promoted back to the Championship at the first time of asking, which would also make him even more of a fan favourite than he already is.
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