Sunderland midfielder George Honeyman was linked with a move away from Wearside earlier this month.
Earlier this month, claims from the Chronicle suggested Sunderland midfielder George Honeyman was attracting interest from Championship side Sheffield United.
The academy graduate had been struggling for form in the Black Cats first-team and fans on Wearside were split as to whether or not manager Jack Ross would’ve been better off selling or keeping hold of his captain.
But after an excellent display against Port Vale in Sunderland’s 2-1 win in the first round of the FA Cup on Sunday, Honeyman’s performance at Vale Park is enough to suggest the youngster is better of staying in the North East.
Honeyman was named as captain of his boyhood club back at the start of August – but the pressure of leading his side down the tunnel each week seemed to be weighing heavy on his shoulders.
The 24-year-old had showed glimpses of last season’s form, scoring three goals and providing three assists, but it was his performance last weekend which was his best.
The midfielder captained his side as the Black Cats ran out 2-1 winners – with Honeyman grabbing the man of the match award for what was one of his most impressive displays in Sunderland colours.
Within just 36 seconds of the match commencing, Honeyman opened the scoring with a beautifully worked finish into the bottom right-hand corner and the goal was the exact start Sunderland were after in what could’ve been a tricky tie.
The Prudhoe-born man was brilliant throughout, coming close to scoring his second late on and continuously making things tick from his advanced midfield position – playing simple but effective passes to the Black Cats creators.
And his all-round good display was evidence of why his side might be better off keeping hold rather than selling for this season – with the youngster having an obvious part to play this term.
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