Manx goalkeeper Isaac Allan has returned to Premier League side Sunderland after completing another successful loan spell with Hebburn Town, where his performances earned him a place in the National League North team of the week.
The 20-year-old made nine appearances for the Tyneside-based club during his second spell with the Hornets, having rejoined them in August ahead of their first season in the second tier of non-league football.
Allan, who remains contracted to Sunderland, has now returned to the Black Cats as he continues to progress through the club’s academy system and push for further opportunities.
The former St John’s United player previously enjoyed a successful loan spell at Hebburn last season, playing an important role in their promotion campaign before helping them secure the Northern Premier League Premier Division title.
He returned to Sunderland during the final week of that campaign before heading back to the Trustmark Group Stadium for a second stint this summer.
His latest performances have continued to attract positive attention, with his selection in the National League North team of the week providing further recognition of his development.
Hebburn goalkeeping coach Carl Morris was full of praise for the young Manxman, having worked with him during both loan spells.
He said: ‘I’ve had the pleasure of working with Isaac during his two loan spells at Hebburn Town, and I can’t speak highly enough of him, both as a goalkeeper and as a person.
‘Isaac played a huge part in our run-in last season and in helping us achieve our ultimate goal of winning the Northern Premier League title. His performances, attitude and contribution during such an important period for the club were outstanding.’
Morris said Allan’s attitude and professionalism had impressed him just as much as his performances on the pitch.
He added: ‘He’s an incredibly grounded lad who sets very high standards for himself, has a fantastic attitude towards his work and is always looking to improve.
‘He’s a great example of what you want in a young goalkeeper.’
Morris believes the islander has a bright future ahead of him and said he would be following his progress with interest.
Allan has also continued to feature for Sunderland's under-21 side, recently appearing at St James’ Park when Newcastle United's under-21s hosted their Wearside rivals in Premier League 2.
He was also included in Sunderland’s first-team travelling squad for their Carabao Cup fourth-round victory against Brentford late last month.
The goalkeeper's journey began in the Isle of Man where he started playing football aged four, having grown up opposite St John’s United’s Mullen-e-Cloie ground.
He developed through the club’s junior ranks under coach Kevin Doyle before representing the Isle of Man Football Association’s Centre of Excellence, winning several junior trophies, including success at the Blackpool Cup.
His performances subsequently earned him opportunities to train with Everton and Wigan Athletic, while he also attended trials with Blackburn Rovers following the club's coaching camp at Douglas Royal.
In 2021, after attending a UK Football Trials event, Allan attracted interest from four clubs, including Lincoln City, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest.
He eventually secured a scholarship with Lincoln in January 2022 before progressing to Sunderland, where he remains on the books.
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