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The midfielder, who is comfortable playing both out wide and in behind the striker as a number ten, has joined Malcolm Crosby's men for an initial 28 days and is available for their game tomorrow at home to Duncan Watmore's former side Altrincham.
Honeyman's sole senior appearance at Sunderland was as a substitute in last season's forgettable loss away at Bradford in the FA cup.
Honeyman, speaking to http://www.gateshead-fc.com/, said:
"I can’t wait to get started – I’m really happy to be here and get some football under my belt. I’m all about creativity. Hopefully I can set people up, and even chip in with a couple of goals myself. I’ve spoken to Lynden, and he said it’s a tough league but that I’d have the ability to cope. I just have to work my socks off. There’s obviously a new manager in at Sunderland, and his priority to begin with is to save the club from relegation. I just have to focus on looking to make a name for myself here."
Gateshead gaffer Crosby - who of course led Sunderland to the 1992 FA cup final - said:
"We need to freshen things up a little. George has an excellent attitude, and he can be exciting. He’ll be involved tomorrow, and there’s every chance I will start with him. It’s a big game, and he will have the opportunity to go and produce for us."
Having seen Honeyman play a fair few times myself I feel that it's very important he goes out now and gets game time. As good as he is, experience of playing week to week is imperative to the development of a young player and I have no doubt he'll stand out a mile playing at that level.
Gateshead are a good club with a decent fanbase at the top end of the table, so there can't be any harm in Honeyman gaining game time at a professional club for the next month or so. As great as being top of the under 21's league is, there's nothing quite like playing at a club where the games mean something. Good luck George.
