The year of 2016 saw no fewer than six of Sunderland's Academy graduates make their Premier League debuts.
While Jordan Pickford and Lynden Gooch have cemented their place in the senior frame along with Duncan Watmore, one player who has begun 2017 as he means to go on is George Honeyman.
David Moyes hailed the 22-year-old’s efforts two weeks ago after he handed him his full debut in an Emirates FA Cup tie at Burnley.
That then led to the Beekeeper being rewarded with his first start in the Premier League at West Bromwich Albion, his second taste of top-flight action after making his debut at Watford last season.
And speaking to safc.com, Jack Rodwell has joined Moyes in praising the youngster, admitting his energy around the place is crucial.
“I have been very impressed with him, I have known him for a couple of years now and he has been in and around first team training a lot,” he said.
“He has got bags of energy and he is wears his heart on his sleeve and that has shown in the last two games.
“He is doing the work, he is doing well and hopefully he can be a good plus for us between now and the end of the season," he continued.
“It has been a tough month for us but we have got to stay positive because we have been training well and a new signing has come in.
“The lads are back from the African Cup of Nations as well now so we have just got to kick on this weekend and put in a good performance on Tuesday night.”
