Tony Mowbray gives view on how Anthony Patterson compares to Jordan Pickford

Tony Mowbray says Anthony Patterson couldn’t be more different in terms of character to previous Sunderland academy product Jordan Pickford.

Pickford came through the Sunderland academy before going on to firmly establish himself as England’s number one goalkeeper.

Patterson has already replicated the first part of that journey, and he is expected to receive an England Under-21 call-up before the summer too.

He was in particularly good form for Sunderland as they beat QPR 3-0 this week, saving a penalty at a crucial time in the game.

Premier League duo Leicester City and Wolves have already been linked with a £10million move for Patterson, and Sunderland boss Mowbray is very aware of what a talent the Wearside club have on their hands.

"Listen, I don’t want to tell the world how brilliant Patterson is,” Mowbray said.

"This club helped produce the England goalkeeper. This kid is a different type of goalie. I watched Jordan Pickford – he’s lively, he’s got a lot to say. He’s a sharp, quick and at times angry with his defenders type of goalie.

"Patterson is the most quiet, sobering lad you would ever want to meet. He’s so calm about everything and yet he keeps the ball out of the net.

"He dominates his box. He makes crucial saves. He’s just a nice kid, a nice big, 6f4 kid, who hardly talks but he is brilliant at what he does.

"We all love him. How far can he go? The phone dictates that. If people in the Premier League are watching him or England are watching him or whatever it would be. We’ll wait and see.

"At this moment, we’re just delighted he’s with us. Delighted he’s enjoying his football and playing well."

Read more Sunderland news