Sunderland winger Luke Molyneux has been discussing his future with the Black Cats after spending the second half of the season on a loan spell in the National League with Hartlepool.

Molyneux spent the first half of the season on loan with Gateshead, making 11 starts in the fifth tier.

He then swapped the Heed for Hartlepool in January, where he currently has seven appearances in the league, three of those coming from the start.

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After breaking into Jack Ross' side during the first two games of the season, the player is loathe to discuss his future in depth, but revealed any decision would be left until he knows what is happening at his parent club.

"It is up to the people upstairs," he told the Hartlepool Mail when asked about his future."I have to see what happens at Sunderland first, really. I have no complaints about being here, I have enjoyed everything since I have arrived and we will just have to see about next season."

He revealed the chance to get minutes on the pitch was a big factor, something he found limited in League One.

"I like it here - we have a good group of lads who helped me settle in straight away. "I am just glad that I am here getting game time, which is the main thing."

Molyneux has one start to his name for the Black Cats, appearing in the 3-0 win against Wolves on the final day of last season.

The Verdict

Let's be honest, he's not going to move to Hartlepool permanently.

No matter what he says now, there's no chance an exciting 20-year-old with first team experience will drop that low.

He might secure a League Two, maybe, if Sunderland go up. The best Pools can hope for is another loan next season, but both player and parent club will surely want to see some evidence of progression.