Academy: Zak Johnson heads out on loan

Sunderland AFC confirms that Zak Johnson has joined Hartlepool United on loan.
 
After signing a new long-term deal at the Academy of Light earlier this month, the defender moves to the National League side on a one-month deal.
 
Johnson joined the Club at the age of eight and has since featured at every level, including first team.  
 
The 18-year-old made his first senior start during this season’s Carabao Cup first-round tie against Crewe Alexandra.
 
As per the agreement, Johnson remains eligible for Sunderland’s Under-21 fixtures.
 
Academy Manager, Robin Nichols added: “This move provides Zak with an excellent opportunity to further his development. It has been a really positive few seasons for him and he can use that momentum to take to Hartlepool. The National League is an excellent standard of football and Zak now has the challenge of working his way into a side sitting towards the top of the division. We look forward to monitoring his progress.”