Middlesbrough youngster making 'instant impact' at South Shields

Middlesbrough youngster Sonny Finch has been lauded for the ‘instant impact’ he has made during his loan spell with National League North leaders South Shields.

The Boro academy product endured a frustrating loan spell with League Two club MK Dons during the first half of last season as he was handed the first loan move of his career after making a handful of senior appearances during Michael Carrick’s time in charge at the Riverside Stadium.

After scoring one goal and providing one assist in eight games for MK Dons, Finch returned to Middlesbrough last January but was unable to add to his senior appearances and two unused substitute appearances against Preston North End and Sunderland were the closest he came to further first-team action.

Finch was also an unused substitute as Boro kicked off their current season with a narrow home win against Championship rivals Swansea City and remained on the bench in the Carabao Cup loss against Doncaster Rovers before spending the majority of the campaign within the club’s Under-21s setup.

Despite receiving interest from a number of EFL clubs, Finch opted to join South Shields on loan as he was reunited with Mariners boss Ian Watson after working under him during his time as assistant manager at MK Dons. The Boro forward made an immediate impact with an assist on his debut against Leamington before scoring in successive games against Southport and Marine. Finch was also part of the Mariners side that claimed a 3-1 win at Oxford City on Saturday to move nine points clear of nearest challengers AFC Fylde at the top of the National League North table.

Watson praised the versatile forward for the attitude and ability he has shown during the early weeks of his time at the 1st Cloud Arena and believes Finch is already showing signs of becoming an ‘amazing signing’ for his club.

Unbelievable

He explained: “Sonny is an unbelievable football player and the fact he’s with us at the football club is amazing. We know we are really fortunate to have him here because I know there was a lot of Football League interest in him before we managed to get it over the line. There were League One clubs in for him and sniffing around but I honestly think we are the right place and the right club for his development and where he is right now in his career.

“We are the best place for him. He’s come in, he’s made an instant impact on and off the pitch. He’s an unbelievable lad, the boys all love him and it’s been such a good signing for us. We just need to keep him fit, keep him on the pitch as much as we can and keep working with him to get the best out of him. I know he is going to be an amazing signing for us.”

Finch will be back in action this weekend when South Shields face FA Cup heroes Macclesfield at the 1st Cloud Arena.

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