Sunderland head coach Chris Coleman has praised the performance of George Honeyman following the Black Cats’ 1-0 league defeat at the hands of Queens Park Rangers last weekend. The 23-year-old has been a bright spark for the Wearsiders in an otherwise hugely disappointing campaign, and was recalled to the starting lineup for the away game at Loftus Road.
The Black Cats currently find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table with nine games left, and they are facing the distinct possibility of consecutive relegations unless they find a way to start winning games. Only four points separate the basement club from 21st-placed Barnsley, but their performances at the back have been miserable of late, to the extent that they have had to come to score three goals in order to pick up a draw against Middlesbrough last month.
Speaking after the Rangers’ game, Coleman highlighted the personality of Honeyman, who he believes has the urge to play for the Championship outfit regardless of their woeful run, he said: “I’ve been in professional football for 30 years as a player and a manager and in terms of mentality, I’ve not seen anything better than him. He’s a huge, huge personality, desperate to play football, desperate to play for Sunderland. It’s all about the game, all about playing for Sunderland.”
Honeyman managed to step up to the senior squad at the start of the season, and he has since made more appearances than anyone with the side at 34 whilst also contributing three goals and two assists. Regardless of which division the club are in next term, and there is likely to be a major squad overhaul, but keeping Honeyman should also remain a priority as he could help form a strong spine within the squad, which has been lacking in the last few years.