Sunderland’s Ben Metcalf bounces back from 'character building' Ashington debut | OneFootball

Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Metcalf has rebounded from an 8-0 Ashington debut to record three consecutive clean sheets and earn a Northern Ireland Under-21s call-up on his first loan.

"Ben’s first game was Redcar Athletic and it was character building, they were my exact words," said Ashington joint-interim manager Mark Ellison. He was speaking to The Echo.

The 19-year-old signed his first pro deal last summer after impressing at Under-18s level, then stepped up to start a Premier League Cup win over Norwich in October and later a 2-0 Premier League 2 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Metcalf joined Ashington last month for the rest of the season and suffered an 8-0 home loss to newly crowned Northern Premier League East champions Redcar Athletic on debut. He was then on the bench for a 2-1 defeat to Emley before stringing together three clean sheets.

His progress earned a first Northern Ireland Under-21s call, though he was not named in the squad for Friday’s 3-0 defeat to Germany and missed Ashington’s 1-0 loss to Dunston UTS.

"Matty (Alexander) came in and got injured and Ben went on a little spell where he was absolutely brilliant," Ellison said. "He was devastated because he wanted to play against Dunston but he’s been great for us."

Metcalf will hope for a first Under-21s cap against Latvia on Tuesday before returning for Ashington’s trip to Hallam on Saturday.

"We have six games left and I think we will need two goalkeepers, especially over the Bank Holiday weekend."

Source: Sunderland Echo