The youngster was at fault for Southampton’s late equaliser on Saturday.
Southampton’s Charlie Austin in action with Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford
Speaking to Sky Sports, former Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has backed Jordan Pickford to bounce back from his mistake against Southampton.
David Moyes was forced to name the young goalkeeper as his number one for the clash against Saints this weekend after Vito Mannone picked up an injury in training.
He put in an assured performance for the most part, making several smart saves across the game.
However, it did not prove to be a happy afternoon for him as he allowed Jay Rodriguez’s effort to squirm underneath his body and force his side to share the points.
It is a moment that will likely dent his confidence, but Mignolet, who played with him during his time at the Stadium of Light, has backed him to come back stronger.
“I feel for him because he kept them in the game for 85 minutes,” he told Sky Sports.
“He’ll be disappointed but I know his temperament from when I was playing and training with him. He’s a really good character and he’s got loads of talent so I’m sure he will grow stronger from this.”
It will be interesting to see if Pickford’s error makes David Moyes sign a striker before the end of the transfer window.
It would be cruel on the youngster, who was largely impressive for the majority of that game before the late error.
However, with this season looking to be a struggle for the Black Cats, Moyes may decide he needs someone with more experience between the sticks.
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