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Hearts vs Sunderland

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Matty’s Player Ratings: Hearts 0-2 Sunderland - on-loan defender Callum Doyle impresses on his debut

Two Aiden McGeady goals capped an impressive performance from Sunderland today away at Scottish Premiership side Hearts. Here’s how Matty rated the Lads in red and white...

Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images

Anthony Patterson: 6/10

The 21-year-old did not have much to do, but he dealt with what he needed to well.

Carl Winchester: 6/10

The Northern Irishman covered effectively, but lets keep this to a one-match experiment please. He was tidy when he moved into midfield.

Callum Doyle: 9/10

Excellent debut. Composed on the ball and excellent defensively. You would not have thought he was 17 judging from this performance.

Tom Flanagan: 5/10

Clumsy and error prone. Bailed out far too often by Doyle and Liam Boyce had the better of him before he was substituted.

Tyrese Dyce: 6/10

The ex-West Brom full-back loves to get forward and looks physically ready for senior football. He will have to improve on the ball though, he lost possession far too often.

Aiden McGeady: 8/10

Composed penalty combined with an excellent first time finish on his weaker foot. McGeady’s quality shone through despite being booed for the entire match by the Hearts supporters.

Dan Neil: 6/10

Fairly quiet, but when he got on the ball he was composed.

Elliot Embleton: 7/10

Lively throughout the match. His crossing was excellent and he always looks to move forward on the ball.

Lynden Gooch: 7/10

Incredibly lively. His dribbling and passing combination for McGeady’s second goal was excellent. The stand-in captain looked up for it throughout the match and adapted well to covering at left-back.

Aiden O’Brien: 5/10

A typical O’Brien performance where he worked hard but lacked quality in front of goal. He should have scored two before half-time.

Ross Stewart: 7/10

It is refreshing to see a forward run in behind! The Scot did very well to earn a penalty to put Sunderland 1-0 up.


Substitutes

Jack Diamond: 6/10

Full of energy and had a willingness to drive forward with the ball, but his end-product is what needs to be more consistent.

Corry Evans: 6/10

Tidy. I would like to see the ex-Blackburn midfielder start to see what he is really about.

Will Grigg: 6/10

He struggled to get into the match but he was massively starved of service as Sunderland protected a two goal lead.

Kenton Richardson: 6/10

Steady. He should be pushing for a start given he is the only senior right-back at the club.

Ellis Taylor: 6/10

It is excellent to see the youngster given more minutes with the senior side. He appears to be the next midfield prospect which Lee Johnson is looking to provide more opportunities to.

Ollie Younger: 6/10

Steady at the back as Sunderland looked to protect a two-goal lead.

Sam Wilding: 6/10

Relaxed and composed on the ball during the latter stages.


Man of the Match: Callum Doyle

What a debut! If you knew nothing about the on-loan Manchester City defender you would not believe that he is just 17. Doyle was incredibly composed on the ball and excellent defensively. He looked far better than his experienced colleague and I cannot wait to see him play in a Sunderland shirt again!

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