Sunderland youngster makes National League loan move after Cliftonville recall
Sunderland have sent highly-rated defender Tom Lavery on loan to National League outfit Halifax Town following his recall from Cliftonville.
Lavery made 15 Premiership appearances for the Reds after joining on a temporary basis in August and scored his maiden goal in last month’s 2-2 draw against Glentoran at The Oval.
After sending the 20-year-old to Solitude, Sunderland’s academy manager Robin Nicholls labelled it as a “great opportunity” for Lavery.
Lavery progressed through the youth ranks at the Premier League newcomers and was involved in a senior squad including the likes of Northern Ireland internationals Trai Hume and Dan Ballard throughout pre-season.
He played 45 minutes in friendlies against Sevilla and Portuguese giants Sporting before starting against LaLiga side Rayo Vallecano.
Lavery was named on the bench seven times in the Championship over the past two years as Sunderland sealed top-flight promotion.
Jim Magilton’s defensive options have been significantly impacted throughout January with Lavery’s exit followed by the departure of Odhran Casey for a League of Ireland record transfer fee to Shelbourne and Jack Keaney’s move to Corpus Christi in America.
Keaney sat as the club’s top Premiership goalscorer this season having netted six times, including twice in last month’s 5-2 home victory over bottom club Glenavon.
“This was not an easy decision to make and I’m incredibly appreciative for my time at Cliftonville,” said Keaney. “I have a personal desire to embrace new experiences and I am excited to take up the opportunity with Corpus Christi FC.
"I’ll always look back on my time with Cliftonville with great fondness. In particular, I am very grateful for the support of the Club, new friendships with my team-mates and the support of the fans.”
A further update from the club read: “Cliftonville FC announces with regret that Jack Keaney has left the Club.
"When Jack signed for Cliftonville, he expressed his ambition to play abroad, specifically in the USA. An agreement was made with the Club that, if the appropriate opportunity arose, we would support Jack’s aspirations and allow him to leave.
"Jack will be greatly missed by all at Solitude and we wish him every success in the United States and his future career.”
Magilton is on the hunt for reinforcements and admits it’s crucial they conduct business before the window closes.
"We desperately need bodies, there’s no question,” he said. “We have a lot of lads out injured.
"Eric (McWoods) is out for the rest of the season so we’re looking to recruit. Hopefully we can do that.
"Jack Keaney is away. If you look at the back-five, we lost Tommy (Lavery) and when we were having a really good spell the selection was easy.
"You had Tommy, Casey, Jonny (Addis), Jack Keaney and Keavo (Keevan Hawthorne) or another down that side. That’s going to impact us, but it gives somebody else an opportunity.
"I’m never confident (of getting deals done) but we’ll be trying our utmost to do that. I don’t particularly like this window because it’s a difficult one.
"You’re trying to get players in and it’s always difficult because they have to hit the ground running and you’ve to be absolutely sure you’re getting the right ones in.
"It’s a really difficult situation and all managers feel the same way. We’re going to try our best and I think our squad needs a wee lift too, we will try and do that.”