Michael O’Neill has advised reported Sunderland target Ethan Galbraith to pick his next club carefully after he was released by Manchester United.
The midfielder was called up to the Northern Ireland squad for their Euro 2024 qualifiers and the manager has offered Galbraith some words of encouragement after a difficult end to the campaign.
The 22-year-old’s six-year stint at Old Trafford was brought to an end after his loan spell with Salford City, while The Northern Echo previously reported that Sunderland are one club targeting Galbraith.
Speaking ahead of Northern Ireland’s clash with Denmark on Friday, O’Neill said: “He’s spent the last two years as a loan player, initially at Doncaster and then Salford. But now I suppose in a way, the safety net of Manchester United is pulled away.
“I know that from dealing with loan players at Stoke and sometimes you get the best version of a player in that situation.
“I think Ethan knows that, we’ve had a conversation about that. What’s important for Ethan is what he chooses to do next. But what he’s shown us in the last few weeks is that his appetite for the game is there, he’s a quality player and he’s demonstrated his quality on the ball.
“He just needs to find the right club with the right manager to get the best out of him.”
Galbraith failed to make his mark on the Red Devils since joining their academy win 2017. However, the midfielder will be well aware of Sunderland’s ability to kickstart a stuttering career.
Sunderland could be the ‘right’ club for Ethan Galbraith
Sunderland have been linked with plenty of Premier League youngsters over the last year or so and fans will know that they don’t go for just anyone.
With The Sun reporting that Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Stoke City and Derby County are all interested in signing Galbraith, the Black Cats should certainly take their pursuit seriously.
Michael Carrick will be familiar with the youngster from his time at the club, although Tony Mowbray’s success with young stars could also be difficult to resist.
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