Anthony Patterson will remain with Sunderland after returning to the Stadium of Light from his Notts County loan, boss Ian Burchnall has confirmed.
The 21-year-old shot-stopper joined the Magpies on an initial 28-day loan deal which was later extended for the rest of the season.
He made nine National League appearances, keeping three clean sheets, during his time at Meadow Lane.
But he is set to remain on Wearside with Lee Burdge set for medical tests after he experienced heart palpitations due to contracting coronavirus.
Burge, and first-choice ‘keeper Thorben Hoffman, tested positive shortly after Patterson had returned to Meadow Lane.
Asked about Patterson’s immediate future, Burchnall revealed on Monday afternoon: “I don’t think we will have him back.
“We have had some dialogue with Sunderland. It’s been documented that Lee Burge had some heart problems after contracting Covid, he’s now got an extended period out.
“So I understand their position. They wanted to do everything they could to get him back to us but unfortunately it does not look like he’ll be able to return any time soon.
“It’s a bit of a disappointment as we got him back for that game and I felt he took off where he left us, but sadly he is required by them.
“They are in a title race as well so I have to respect Sunderland and the job Lee Johnson is doing there.”
That leaves just Sam Slocombe and Tiernan Brooks available as goalkeeping options available to Burchnall, with the latter recently spending time at Worksop Town on-loan.
Burchnall said: “I think we will [get someone in]. We only have Sam and Tiernan.
“We hope to get Tiernan out on loan, but we are holding off until we can get one more person in.
“I think it’s an area we want more competition in. We expected Anthony to be here until the end of the season.
“With him not being here we will look at other possibilities.”
