Anthony Patterson’s planned return to Meadow Lane will not go ahead due to his fellow Sunderland goalkeeper, Lee Burge, undergoing medical tests following heart palpitations.
Burge, along with first-choice keeper Thorben Hoffman, tested positive for Covid-19 shortly after Patterson returned to Meadow Lane on a season-long loan, which had to be curtailed as a result.
Both clubs had planned for Patterson to resume his spell with us once the Black Cats’ goalkeeping department was back to full complement, however ongoing issues with Burge mean Patterson must remain at the Stadium of Light.
Our head coach Ian Burchnall said: “We completely respect Sunderland’s decision to keep Anthony with them and we wish Lee all the best.
“We still want to add more competition to the goalkeeping department and to get Tiernan Brooks out on loan to further his experience.
“There are some interesting options out there and we’re confident of making a strong addition in the near future.”