SUNDERLAND youngster Zak Johnson has joined Irish side Dundalk on loan for the remainder of the season.

Johnson, who recently returned to the Black Cats from a loan spell at National League Hartlepool United, joins a Dundalk side that play in the SSE Airtricity Irish Premier Division.

The 19-year-old centre-half, who made 11 loan appearances for Hartlepool, is set to make his Dundalk debut in Friday’s game against Shamrock Rovers.

“This is an exciting move for Zak and gives him the chance to challenge himself at a good level of football following a year in which he has experienced international football as well as playing in the National League for Hartlepool, the EFL Cup for our first team, and a variety of competitions with our U21s,” said Sunderland academy manager Robin Nicholls.

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“Our discussions with Dundalk FC have been very positive and they delivered excellently on the role Zak would play in their system. It is a good test for Zak to operate in a team who have high ambitions.”

Johnson made his senior Sunderland debut in the EFL Trophy win over Manchester United Under-21s back in October 2021, when he became the youngest outfield player to play for the club in 50 years.

The homegrown defender also started for the first team in this season’s Carabao Cup first-round defeat to Crewe Alexandra, and captained England Under-18s at a tournament in Portugal last summer.

“When Sunderland agreed that I should go and get some minutes elsewhere, I set up a Zoom call with the gaffer (at Dundalk) and Brian Gartland (head of football) and I was hooked straight way,” said Johnson.

“I know for my development that I need to play first-team football and I think this will be a great opportunity for me to take a big step forward in my career.”

Dundalk head coach, Stephen O’Donnell, is looking forward to working with Johnson, and is confident the youngster can make his mark in the Irish top-flight.

“Zak has had first-team experience already this season with Hartlepool and he captained England Under-18s last summer which is a great achievement considering the wealth of talent at under-age level,” said O’Donnell.

“Physically, he is a big specimen, he has a good personality, and we are looking forward to having him in the group.”