The Black Cats’ on-loan defender is set to play a pivotal role if the club are to avoid relegation once more.
Sunderland defender Jason Denayer believes he is gaining valuable experience at the club, in their fight to avoid the drop to the Sky Bet Championship once again.
Having left parent club Manchester City on loan this summer to earn regular game time, the 21 year-old told the club’s official website that he feels he is now getting that.
Sunderland’s Jason Denayer in action with Stoke City’s Ibrahim Affelay
Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat to Burnley in the FA Cup Third Round replay on Tuesday night means David Moyes’ men will now fight to avoid the drop with no further distractions.
In what could be a blessing in disguise for The Black Cats come May, Denayer also believes the return of a number of injured players and his growing experience, could be crucial in staying in the top flight.
Denayer told safc.com: “We have a lot of players who are currently out injured and that’s very difficult for the team. [So] maybe that gives some of the other players a chance to come back. We need every member of the team.
“Of course, it’s important for me to be playing regular football, especially in the Premier League. I need a lot of games to develop and gain valuable experience, so like I said I’m happy to be playing a lot of games.”
Jason Denayer – Manchester City in action against Laste Dombaxe – Tottenham
Since moving on loan from Manchester, Jason Denayer has made 12 appearances this season.
Primarily a centre-back, the Belgian international has been deployed as shield in front of the back four – dropping back between both Papy Djilobodji and Lamine Kone to add defensive cover.
Since joining Manchester City’s youth academy in 2013, Denayer has struggled to break into the first team at the Etihad Stadium, spending loan spells with Galatasaray and Celtic during the past two seasons.
Dundee United’s Chris Erskine in action with Celtic’s Jason Denayer
With domestic cup affairs out of their hands, attention now switches to an away trip to West Brom this Saturday. Denayer knows the task facing his side, but says all eleven men with be desperate to take back at least a point to the North-East.
“It is going to be a difficult game away from home because they’re a very good team”, said the defender.
“That said we won’t go there looking for anything other than a win because we need the points. We want to win and we will do everything we can to do that.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
