KEY POINTS:
Sunderland manager Roy Keane doesn't see any reason why his English premier soccer league club's new signing, New Zealand under-20 captain Jack Pelter, can't continue with the club long-term,.
Pelter has been signed on by the club for a month so that his fitness can be monitored.
The 20-year-old played in pre-season games for Sunderland against Scunthorpe and Berwick Rangers and impressed Keane, but suffered an ankle injury while playing in the under 20 World Cup recently. The injury is holding up a long-term link with Sunderland.
Keane would like to capture the centreback on a fulltime basis, but needs to be reassured about the player's fitness before committing to a longer contract.
"Jack has done well since he came to the club but he has a slight injury, we're looking at it," Keane told the club's website.
"We've only signed him for a month, we're checking his medical stuff and we don't expect any problems.
"Hopefully, he will be part of our reserve team for the next few months and add competition to the squad."
- NZPA