Jack Ross believes Jon McLaughlin is the best goalkeeper in League One.
The Sunderland boss praised the Scotland stopper after his solid performance in the Black Cats’ 2-1 win over promotion rivals Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light.
McLaughlin’s performance was notable not so much for a series of eye-catching saves - although he did make one fine stop to prevent Grant Leadbitter putting through his own net - but more for the way he took the pressure off his back four by coming for crosses and corners.
“I’m obviously biased and there might be other managers that say it, but I believe I have the best goalkeeper in the league,” said Ross.
“He was outstanding for me last season, he is such a low-maintenance player in terms of how he goes about his business and he is unflappable.
“He made a couple of big saves late in the game, but he also gives the defensive unit confidence by coming out and collecting crosses under pressure.”
Sunderland came from behind to beat Pompey, with Marcus Harness putting the visitors in front midway through the first half.
But defender Jordan Willis scored his first goal for the club to level the scores just five minutes later, and Chris Maguire netted the winner against one of his former clubs five minutes before half-time.
