Andrew Nelson did not make a single League One appearance for Sunderland this season but can’t stop scoring for Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.
Dundee manager Jim McIntyre has backed Andrew Nelson to become a top player in the future after signing him from Sunderland, while speaking to the Courier.
The 21-year-old came through the ranks at the Stadium of Light but never made a first team appearance for the Black Cats. He was expected to feature under Jack Ross this season but a foot injury in pre-season scuppered his hopes of a professional debut in the famous red and white kit.
But it was still something of a surprise when Sunderland decided to let him go in January, selling Nelson to Dundee for an as yet undisclosed transfer fee.
The striker has quickly set about showing his former club what they’re missing, however, scoring three goals in three Scottish Premiership games for The Dark Blues, including a brace in the 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock last time out.
And Dundee boss McIntyre clearly believes that Nelson has all the potential to reach the very top.
“Andrew has a lot to learn but he has the raw ingredients to be a very good player,” he told the Courier. “There is still a lot of work required but the great thing about Andrew is that he is desperate to learn, he listens to what you are saying and he takes in information.
“I think when you are a young lad who has come from a big club and you have been loaned out a couple of times, there is that need to feel wanted.
“We have given him the security of a two-and-a-half-year deal because we have a great belief that he can do really well here and grow as a player.”
Nelson’s exit was overshadowed by the departure of another young striker in January, Josh Maja moving to Bordeaux after a protracted transfer saga. But if the 21-year-old continues to thrive north of the border, Sunderland will be wondering whether they should have given Nelson the time to shine.
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