"After Wednesday's showing" - Sunderland AFC: Tommy Watson loan verdict claim | OneFootball

FLW's Sunderland fan pundit believes winger Tommy Watson should be sent out on loan in the January transfer window.

This article is part of Football League World’s 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris handed a surprise start to winger Tommy Watson in the 0-0 draw at Preston North End on Wednesday night.

Watson has long been regarded as one of the most exciting youngsters at the Stadium of Light, and Brighton & Hove Albion had a seven-figure bid for the 18-year-old rejected by Sunderland this summer, while Nottingham Forest and Rangers have previously been credited with an interest.

After scoring five goals and providing four assists in five games for the academy this season, Watson has become increasingly involved in the first team squad in recent weeks, with Le Bris stating in September that he had "improved a lot in a short space of time".

Le Bris made the decision to rest wingers Patrick Roberts and Romaine Mundle for the game against Preston in midweek, meaning that Watson was given his first league start for the club, and captain Luke O'Nien was full of praise for the winger post-match.

"Tommy Watson got his first start today, which is good for him because he’s been phenomenal in training. I thought he did well," O'Nien told Sky Sports, quoted by Sunderland News.

It was a disappointing evening for the Black Cats as they were forced to settle for a point at Deepdale, with Le Bris admitting that his side were "a bit lucky" not to lose the game, but the point saw them extend their lead at the top of the Championship table.

Sunderland AFC: Tommy Watson loan demand

When asked if Le Bris should sanction a loan move for Watson in January, FLW's Sunderland fan pundit Jay Woodhead said that the winger would benefit from a temporary move away from the Stadium of Light to help him improve his physicality.

"I think Watson showed qualities within the academy, but after last night's (Wednesday's) showing against Preston, I do think personally that he needs that loan move to get game time," Jay said.

"Last night, he looked as though he was pushed off the ball a little bit too easily, he went to ground very easily as well.

"If he gets a good loan move to League One or Two, he would do really, really well.

"Getting that loan move to League One or Two would make him more of a man, no disrespect because he's a fantastic player, but it would just strengthen him as a player.

"We've got a player and a half on our hands, but I think a loan move would definitely benefit him, 100%."

Regis Le Bris may have doubts about Tommy Watson loan move

It is difficult to disagree with Jay that a loan move to League One or Two would be beneficial for Watson's development.

However, Le Bris has clearly been impressed by Watson since his arrival at the Stadium of Light, and he said in September that he "needs to get to know the game model and the way we want the team to operate", which he would be unable to learn if he was sent out on loan.

With Abdoullah Ba out of favour under Le Bris, Sunderland are a little short of options in the wide areas, and if they do allow Watson to make a temporary exit, they could be left light if Roberts or Mundle were to get injured in the second half of the season.

While Watson struggled to make an impact against Preston, he proved that he is a useful rotation option for Le Bris to have at his disposal, and he could have a big part to play over the busy winter period.