Scotland played out a routine 6-0 win over San Marino on Sunday, in a game that probably won’t live too long in the memory of many.
However, this game will hold a special significance for Sunderland goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, as it was the first time he has made a competitive appearance for his country, as per Transfermarkt – though he had previously played a half in a friendly loss against Mexico.
Sunderland tweeted about his achievement to congratulate him:
Best of luck to our stopper Jon McLaughlin who starts for @ScotlandNT this evening! https://t.co/uQw50U7oHw
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) October 13, 2019
Many Black Cats fans have also joined in with the congratulations for the 32-year-old’s achievement.
They also enjoyed having the opportunity to take a swipe at Joey Barton, after the Fleetwood Town manager was quoted in The Chronicle as saying: “I think they’ve got the third choice keeper for Scotland, second choice right-back for Northern Ireland and another second or third choice centre-back somewhere for one of the home nations.”
The hope will now be that McLaughlin is able to take the momentum from this and keep a clean sheet for Sunderland, having failed to do so up until this point of the campaign, which had led some fans to call for Lee Burge to start in the league.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the announcement, including posts from enthused Sunderland fans, can be seen below:
Hes kept a clean sheet .
— Glen Foster (@GFos28) October 13, 2019
Best let joey know he thinks jon is only third choice
— Jer (@jiander62) October 13, 2019
Didn’t need luck just a camping chair to sit on.
— lewis (@lewismurton) October 13, 2019
I thought he was only their 3rd choice?
— Keith Shriekinson (@KeithY2Dickie) October 13, 2019
Jon McLaughlin pic.twitter.com/Q9XBj1SjwR
— xJPJx142 (@KINGMAGUIRE1) October 13, 2019
Sunderland fans, do you have confidence McLaughlin will be able to get a clean sheet at club level? Join the discussion by commenting below…
