Simon Grayson defends Sunderland’s goalkeeping options

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Both Sunderland goalkeepers Jason Steele and Robbin Ruiter have struggled so far this season.

Simon Grayson has told the Shields Gazette that he doesn’t believe Jason Steele or Robbin Ruiter have done anything wrong at Sunderland so far.

Steele and Ruiter have been competing to play in goal for Sunderland, but Grayson does not seem to have settled upon which stopper will be his side’s number one for the campaign ahead.

Steele came back into Sunderland’s side for their match against Ipswich Town last night, but he did not have a good evening.

The Black Cats were beaten 5-2 at Portman Road, in what was an embarrassing result for the Wearsiders.

Steele faced fierce criticism after the contest, but Grayson insists that the former Blackburn Rovers man was not to blame for his side’s defeat.

“When you’re losing games, you just try and make the changes to make something happen and find something that works for you. Jason Steele wasn’t to blame for any of the goals, Robbin Ruiter hadn’t done anything wrong like Jason hadn’t,” Grayson said.

“We tried to change things to get a result but the changes we’re making obviously aren’t working at the moment.”

Sunderland’s heavy defeat against Ipswich was a huge blow, after what has been a disastrous start to their Championship campaign.

Grayson’s side are currently stuck in 22nd position in the table, and there are serious concerns that back-to-back relegations are becoming a real possibility.