Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has had a busy summer - after helping England under-21s to victory in Toulon he also prepared for the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria with regular visits to the gym.
At just 22, Pickford is almost a veteran of Sunderland’s pre-season trips, now in his sixth since he’s been at the club; this is the first time the stopper has not been the youngest goalkeeper to travel.
Max Stryjek has joined the Lads in Austria, fresh from signing a new three-year deal with the club last season.
And Pickford is hoping he’ll be able to help the 19 year-old goalkeeper along throughout the course of the training camp.
“It’s nice not being the youngest for a change,” Pickford admitted. “I’ve been on these trips a few times, I think my first was in Germany and now Max is here on his first trip and I’d like to think I’ll be able to help him and share my experiences.”
Pickford and Stryjek have already been involved in intensive training sessions since arriving in Austria with fellow keeper Vito Mannone and goalkeeping coach Adrian Tucker.
“I remember my first few pre-season training sessions and I found them really, really tough,” Pickford explained.
“Hopefully I can help Max along while we’re out here and we can all feel the benefits.”