Gateshead manager Rob Elliot eyes permanent deal for Sunderland youngster Ethan Moore | OneFootball

Gateshead manager Rob Elliot says Sunderland forward Ethan Moore has impressed on loan and he is keen to make the move permanent.

According to Sunderland Echo, Moore returned in August after more than two years out with a serious knee injury, appearing for the Black Cats under-21s in a 3-2 loss to Southampton. He then earned a senior chance by joining the Heed in February for the rest of the season.

He debuted in a 1-0 defeat to Boston United and has since made eight further outings as Gateshead revived their campaign. A 2-1 home loss to Brackley Town days later left them bottom and 11 points from safety. With only two defeats in the next 14, they are eight points clear and will be safe with at least two points from their final three matches.

Elliot said Moore is still rebuilding fitness and learning after limited football, which makes his recent impact noteworthy. He described the forward as driven and demanding of himself, without being disrespectful, and stressed there is significant potential. Gateshead, he added, hope to secure him beyond this loan.

Moore has mostly come off the bench, featuring prominently across a Bank Holiday double header that yielded four points at Carlisle United and at home to Scunthorpe United. He is now pushing for a first start as Gateshead finish with trips to Aldershot Town and Altrincham and a home game against Jermain Defoe’s Woking.

Source: Sunderland Echo