SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Matty Young has joined League Two Salford City on a season-long loan.

Young, who had a successful loan spell in National League North with Darlington last season, will battle with former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jamie Jones for the number one spot at Salford’s Moor Lane.

The 17-year-old played with Sunderland during their pre-season tour of North America last summer, and is extremely well regarded on Wearside.

However, the feeling is that next season will be too early for him to compete for a regular starting spot in the Championship and he will benefit from a loan spell in League Two rather than turning out for Sunderland’s Under-21s.

Sunderland sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, said: “We are really pleased with Matty’s progress, and we feel that further exposure to men’s football is the perfect environment for him to continue his development.

“Although he is still only 17, he demonstrated last season that he can rise to the challenge and we will monitor his progress closely.

“Our coaching team, including Alessandro Barcherini, with the support of Jonny Maddison and Mark Prudhoe, have done an excellent job in preparing Matty for this type of opportunity, which we believe he will grasp with both hands.”