Phil Parkinson has opened the door on a potential loan move for Benji Kimpioka.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of Sunderland's hottest prospects after bursting onto the first team scene earlier this season.
So far Kimpioka has made five first team appearances for the Black Cats, scoring one goal in the process.
Since then the forward has fallen out of the first team fold after being dropped for poor time-keeping, something which the 19-year-old has bounced back from.
The next step for him is to gain first team football out on loan, however Parkinson says his teammate Bali Mumba will not be going anywhere just yet.
As quoted by the Sunderland Echo, he said: “Bali is still a young lad, really.
“He got progressed quickly into the first-team scene and rightly so because he is a talent.
“He’s a player who, at the moment, we will probably keep around.
“Is he ready and do we want to push him into a National League scenario? Probably not.
“Benji is that bit older and probably more ready to go and test himself.
“He's out there showcasing his talents in those games and there’ll be managers watching him, as there was the other night.”
Can you name every Sunderland player's shirt number this season?
The verdict
A loan move for Benji Kimpioka could be just what is needed.
The 19-year-old is undoubtedly a talent but a little bit of raw naivety is stopping him from being ready to compete in Phil Parkinson's first team squad.
If the youngster can secure a move and play regular first team football between now and the end of the season it could be the making of him.
Should that move go well, Sunderland could have one heck of a player on their hands next term.