Le Bris urges Patterson to continue learning while he awaits big chance

Régis Le Bris has urged Anthony Patterson to use his time out of the Sunderland team to improve and be ready for his opportunity if and when it comes this season.

- by Phil Smith

Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson in action during the pre-season friendly match against Rayo Vallecano at the Stadium of Light.

Patterson has just one Carabao Cup appearance to his name this season, after the Black Cats recruited Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen in the summer.

Roefs has made a spectacular impact on Wearside, keeping four clean sheets in his first eight league games and producing some of the best individual statistics in the division.

While his lack of minutes will be a source of frustration, Le Bris believes that Patterson has time firmly on his side.

Though currently out of the side, the 25-year-old has well over 150 appearances to his name and so is far beyond many goalkeepers of his age.

Le Bris feels this period, even if disappointing, can benefit his career as a whole.

"The goalkeeper's position is a bit different to anywhere else on the pitch," Le Bris said.

"It is a maybe a bit similar for the centre-halves as well, because you really need an injury to be able to come back into the game if you are not starting.

"The same is probably true of a goalkeeper. In the other positions, you can sub easily, but that doesn't really happen with a goalkeeper.

"If you are a striker, then you will probably get chances in games. The position for a number two goalkeeper is a bit different.