Pickford is currently Sunderland’s regular goalkeeper following an injury sustained by Vito Mannone.
Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has said the arrival of Mika is driving him on, the Chronicle reports, with the new recruit tasked with providing cover and competition for the 22-year-old.
Pickford is currently the Black Cats’ regular starter after an elbow injury to Vito Mannone meant he would be sidelined for up to three months.
Pickford seems to be highly rated and feels that with more game time he will continue to improve, but suggested it is healthy to have someone else putting pressure on him, creating the competition for his place in the side.
He is quoted in the Chronicle saying: “The more games I play then the better I will become and you do become more mature.
“Having Mika here helps while Vito is out injured, it drives me to become better in training and matches and to keep my place. I need to keep getting better and better and keep my place in the side.”
There could be a chance that Pickford will be rested for the EFL Cup third round tie at Queens Park Rangers tomorrow night, but if that is the case it is likely he will be restored to the side for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland could do with getting some good form behind them after a disappointing start to the season has seen them pick up just the one point from their opening five Premier League games, which sees them sit second from bottom in the league table as a result.
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