Sunderland: Nectar Triantis excels in midfield for Hibernians.

NECTAR Triantis is giving Sunderland something to ponder about ahead of the summer, excelling following a surprising position swap on loan to Hibs.

The 20-year-old had a rocky start to life in Scotland, and after an initial stint at centre-back, where he has played the most of his football, he lost his position in the Hibs squad.

However, Hibs manager Nick Montgomery was Triantis’ manager at the Central Coast Mariners and was always optimistic the Australian would show his talent once he settled here.

Montgomery deployed Triantis as a midfielder in a few of bench appearances, and after impressing in that new capacity, the defender was given a start and impressed in midfield against Rangers in the Scottish Cup this weekend.

Montgomery remarked, “Look, he’s quite versatile. He can play centre-back or six, and if you’re a deep-lying six or a defensive midfielder, the positions are comparable.

“He has excellent technical skills on the ball. He’s still young, and he’s experienced success in his brief career. However, he went six months without playing after moving to Sunderland, which is a significant step for a young player.

“You could see against Rangers, especially in the second half, that he is a guy who can really command play, and he is very physically fit. I’ve been quite pleased with Nectar since he arrived, but I know he can improve. However, every game and training session presents an opportunity for him to grow.”

Triantis made two Championship appearances for Sunderland in the first half of the season before the Black Cats sanctioned his loan to Hibs, hoping for more regular play.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk