MIKE Dodds believes the answer to Sunderland’s longstanding striker woe could be “right under their nose” – and has backed Jobe Bellingham to establish himself as the Black Cats number nine.
Strengthening up-front is a priority for Sunderland this summer and they’ll undoubtedly look to bolster their forward line, but Dodds believes Bellingham could make the position his own.
With Sunderland’s strikers having endured a nightmare season, Dodds has turned to Bellingham and played the teenager up-front in the last three games – and the former Birmingham youngster is almost certain to again lead the line for the Black Cats at Leeds United tonight.
Bellingham has played in a variety of midfield roles for Sunderland this season but Dodds believes Bellingham can develop into a top frontman.
“The number nine position this summer is going to be a discussion point, let’s be completely honest, but we might have someone ready made in that position,” said Dodds.
“He’s 18. What’s he going to look like in another 12 months? It might be right under our nose. Sometimes those things happen, when the secret is right in front of you, you don’t see it. Why not?
“He’s athletic, he’s 18 so he’ll only get stronger, he’s 6ft3, he’s a lovely footballer.
“In two of the three games, he’s played really well and his movement was excellent.
“He should have done better with a couple of chances but he’s in the right areas, so why can’t he be our answer?
“We have discussed that. We have five games left, he has the summer and he’ll have six weeks or so to refine his game. My statement would be why not, why can’t Jobe be the No.9 for the football club?”
