‘Orns Chasing Mackems Youngster?

According to The London Evening Standard, Malky Mackay is set to swoop for Sunderland forward Ryan Noble in order to boost his striking options.

Despite the short-term renaissance of Will Hoskins, Mackay is evidently less than impressed with his senior strikers Danny Graham and Heidar Helguson and with Marvelous Marvin Sordell out on loan at Tranmere; Liam Henderson is the only other available striker – and thus far the former Hartlepool man has not made a positive impression on the first-team.

Noble, a 17 year-old Sunderland Academy made his professional debut in the F.A Cup 3rd round as a substitute for Darren Bent in 3-0 win over Barrow. Having joined the Mackems as a fifteen year-old, Noble has also represented England`s young lions at U17 and U19 level.

Though it`s painstakingly evident we need to add something up top, throwing a seventeen year-old with a few minutes professional experience into the heat of the pressure cooker that is a relegation scrap does neither party any favours.

But, with extremely restrictive finances, who else can we lure down to the Vic`?