Simon Grayson admits he could have Sunderland debut to Robbin Ruiter

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Sunderland are set to take on Bury in the League Cup on Thursday.

Simon Grayson has told the Shields Gazette that Sunderland goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter could make his debut against Bury on Thursday.

Ruiter was brought to Sunderland this summer, following a successful trial at the Stadium of Light.

The Dutch stopper missed out on playing in Sunderland’s first match of the season against Derby County last Friday.

However, Grayson has suggested that Ruiter has a chance of replacing Jason Steele in goal later this week.

“He’ll [Ruiter] be in the squad,” Grayson said. “We’ve got to try him some time.

“But some players need more game time, because you need to get some continuity and build partnerships.

“I know if I put Robbin in on Thursday he won’t let us down, but I could keep Jason (Steele) in to help the consistency of team selection and developing understandings with people.”

Ruiter actually had a more impressive pre-season than Steele at Sunderland, but looks to be second choice in the race to start at the moment.

Ruiter has no prior experience of English football, but Grayson has obviously seen enough to suggest he could make an impact at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland drew 1-1 in their first match of the Championship season with Derby County, with Steele generally doing a solid job.

Steele did have one nervy moment, when he parried the ball into an onrushing Derby striker’s path, but he was otherwise solid on debut meaning Ruiter could face a fight to win a place in Grayson’s team.