Hebburn Town FC complete loan signing of former Sunderland academy forward

Former Sunderland academy forward Ethan Moore has joined Hebburn Town FC on loan from National League club Kidderminster Harriers.

The 21-year-old spent time within the Hornets youth setup before joining the Academy of Light and he progressed throughout his time with the Black Cats before featuring alongside the likes of Timur Tutierov and Harrison Jones at Under-21s level.

However, his time within the Sunderland academy ranks was decimated by a serious knee injury that left him on the sidelines for almost two-and-a-half years. A short comeback in the Under-21s was followed by a loan spell with National League club Gateshead, where he made his senior debut as a Heed side then managed by Rob Elliot pulled off a miraculous escape from relegation.

Moore opened up on his injury nightmare during his time at the International Stadium, telling the Sunderland Echo earlier this year, he said: “I am definitely moving towards where I want to be. I just need to play football and after missing two years, it was quite difficult but training with the lads I feel sharp and when I come on I feel I am adding something to the game and I can get back to my best.

“The thing with a big injury is it’s more mental than physical when you are coming back. You have doubts. How will it feel when you’re playing and things like that but I know my knee is strong now, it is better and I am getting stronger with every minute that I play. I feel like I’ve moved on mentally and physically now and I’m just looking forwards.”

After joining Kidderminster on a free transfer in the summer, Moore had a short loan spell with Hebburn’s National League North rivals Spennymoor Town recently and he will now hope to earn more game-time after returning to South Tyneside. The versatile forward will go straight into the squad that will face Guiseley in an FA Trophy second round tie on Saturday as the Hornets look to earn a place in the third round for the first time in their history.