Nathan Bishop was signed as backup for Anthony Patterson but Tony Mowbray knows the ex-Manchester United man will want to make the step up at some stage
Nathan Bishop has the appropriate temperament for a number two goaltender, according to Tony Mowbray, but he acknowledges that one day he will want to make the step up to first choice at Sunderland or move on. Bishop joined the Black Cats in August from Manchester United as a replacement for incumbent number one Anthony Patterson.
The 24-year-old took over for Alex Bass, who spent last season as Patterson’s backup before joining AFC Wimbledon on a season-long loan this summer, and he has quickly established himself as the Dons’ main keeper.
Bishop has made just one appearance for Sunderland so far, in the Carabao Cup in August, and has spent most of his time as an unused replacement throughout the club’s Championship campaign.
That takes a particular temperament, and Mowbray believes Bishop possesses it. However, if Patterson left, Bishop will either want to play regularly for Sunderland or follow in Bass’ footsteps and look elsewhere to develop his career.
“Nathan is an amazing professional footballer, he has an amazing voice, he drives everybody in training, he’s constantly on at defenders to get up or get across or clear it,” added Mowbray.
“It’s difficult for me because I wonder, ‘How can you be so positive every day when you know you’re not going to play on Saturday?'” But that’s the life of a backup goaltender.
“I told him the other day that at some point in the next few years – not now, because you’ve only been here six months – you have to get your career going, you have to play.”
“If Anthony Patterson stays here and continues to do well, and you aren’t playing, I expect you to knock on my door at some point and say, ‘What do you think?'” But right now, he’s really cheerful and quite positive.”
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