Jordan Pickford has been handed an opportunity by Sunderland this season.
Steve Harper has told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, which was broadcast on 14th September on TalkSPORT, that he feels sorry for Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The young stopper has been called into Sunderland’s first-team by David Moyes, but he has been handed a tough start to life.
Sunderland’s defence has been woeful over the opening weeks of the new campaign, and the Wearsiders are still looking for their first victory.
Pickford has been called upon on numerous occasions, after being offered little protection from the players in front of him.
And Harper said: “I feel for young Jordan, he’s waited a long time for his chance there.
“For a young goalie going in there with different cultures and languages, it’s a baptism of fire. But he is a very good goalkeeper.”
Pickford has generally impressed with his performances in Sunderland’s goal, even though he did make an error in a recent draw with Southampton.
There are high hopes for the England international’s future at the Stadium of Light, and Moyes has shown great faith by promoting him to his starting line-up.
Pickford is under pressure to continue to keep high standards, as Sunderland are desperate for three points now.
The Black Cats are currently sat in the relegation zone, and need to start finding wins to move away from danger.
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