Sunderland manager Jack Ross has suggested that Ethan Robson could put himself into contention for a new deal if he impresses during his time on loan at Grimsby Town.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Mariners earlier this month on transfer deadline day, is currently in the final year of his contract with the Black Cats.

Since making his debut for Sunderland in 2017, Robson has failed to establish himself as a key player at the Stadium of Light.

After being limited to just three appearances during the first-half of the 2018/19 campaign, the midfielder was sent out on loan to Dundee in January.

Whilst he did manage to deliver a number of promising performances in the Scottish Premiership for the Dark Blues, he was unable to prevent the club from being relegated in May.

Now at Grimsby, Robson will be aiming to help Michael Jolley's side achieve a great deal of success in League Two over the coming months before returning to the Black Cats next year.

Speaking to ChronicleLive about the Sunderland academy graduate, Ross said: "Ethan needs to prove he can be strong enough physically.

"He had a run of games last season on loan at Dundee but then picked up injuries in pre-season so it has been difficult for him to break into the team here because there are others ahead of him.

"I had a conversation with him and said that because of his contractual situation it was far better for him to go out on loan, play every week and play well, rather than wait for opportunities to open up here.

"We will reassess that again in January but I spoke to him about it.

"I think he was of the same opinion.

"I think he has good attributes and I think he's a player who could go on to be successful here but he is 23 and he needs to play."

The Verdict

When you consider that Sunderland currently have the likes of George Dobson, Grant Leadbitter, Max Power and Luke O'Nien at their disposal in midfield, it is imperative that Robson proves why he deserves to be in the club's plans for the future.

Having already made three appearances for Grimsby since making the temporary switch to Blundell Park, the former Dundee loanee will be aiming to become a pivotal player for Jolley's side.

If he can produce the goods on a consistent basis in the fourth tier, he may move into contention for a starting role at Sunderland when he returns to the club in January.