SUNDERLAND midfielder Caden Kelly will hope to follow in the footsteps of Matty Young after joining Darlington on loan.

Teenage keeper Young enjoyed a hugely impressive spell with Quakers last season and the two clubs have again put their strong relationship to good use.

Former Manchester City youngster Kelly has joined Darlington on an initial one-month loan deal, with Quakers scheduled to play seven games in that time - the first of which is away at Rushall Olympic on Saturday.

Sunderland academy manager Robin Nicholls said: "This opportunity provides Caden with a great chance to experience senior football.

"After a few seasons in PL2 with our U21s, he will go into a big club at a good level of the football pyramid. We have seen how successful these loans can be and we hope Caden can have a positive experience."

Kelly has scored two goals in five appearances for Sunderland's Under-21s this season.

He made his first team debut early in the 2022/23 season and was an unused substitute in the Championship on six occasions last term.