The 2016-17 season has seen one of Sunderland's Academy graduate steal the show, with Jordan Pickford transitioning from first-team back-up to England international.
David Moyes has described the 22-year-old as ‘vital’ in recent weeks as his fine run of form culminated in six points and a first Premier League clean sheet, but now he’s set the standard his manager is demanding more.
Vito Mannone, fresh following a return to action, will be hot on Pickford’s heels as he attempts to impress the backroom team and retain his place in the starting XI.
And speaking to safc.com, goalkeeping legend Jimmy Montgomery warned the Washington-born stopper that the hard work starts now.
“Goalkeepers thrive on clean sheets so we were all made up for him on Saturday.
“He made two absolutely brilliant saves against Hull City on Saturday and they were at important times, so he’s contributing to the points we’re earning and playing a big part."
He continued: “He’s gelling with his back four and they’re starting to understand each other – he’s vocal and isn’t afraid to take command – so the more games he plays the better he’ll get.
“He’s only 22 but he’s old enough to know that you have to perform to stay there, so associating with his back four, which will hopefully be a settled one, will play a big part.
“I’m not going to turn around and say that he’s the finished article because he knows what he needs to work on, but the beauty of the modern era is that he can work on every aspect of his play with the analysts and fine tune any areas for improvement.
“From day one he’s impressed as he’s risen through the ranks; he’s willing to learn and a lovely lad.”
Supremely confident in his own ability, Pickford has been biding his time and waiting for a chance to impress while also gaining vital experience out on loan.
The 22-year-old made a combined total of 116 first-team appearances between 2011 and 2015, rising through the Football League pyramid and representing a plethora of sides from Darlington and Carlisle United, to Bradford City and Preston North End.
And Sunderland’s record appearance maker, Montgomery, hailed the goalkeeper’s steely mentality and unparalleled maturity.
“The pleasing thing for me is that he made a mistake at Southampton but came through it quickly, so he’s shown that he doesn’t dwell on the negatives and can put them in the history books.
“I’ve known ‘keepers who will come from a ball after five minutes and miss it, and then that effects them for the entire game, but good or bad Jordan instantly puts it to the background and stays focussed.”
“He’s up there with the very best goalkeepers I’ve ever seen at his age,” continued the 73-year-old.
“The best is yet to come.”