Manager Craig Lynch believes the loan deal taking James Anderson to Dunston UTS is the ideal next step in the young keeper’s progression.

The prodigious talent penned a two-year deal at Craik Park over the summer prior to the switch to Dunston, who play in the division below us.

After a season in the Northern League with Whickham – where the stopper excelled – Anderson makes the step up and has the chance for much needed game time.

“We were delighted to get James signed but we wanted him to go and get more game time like last season, with Whickham, which was extremely beneficial,” Lynch said.

“The next step in his progression is to move up the leagues and Dunston is the perfect club as we have a very good relationship with all their staff.

“I have no doubt James will excel this season and I look forward to seeing his development as myself, and especially Dale (Walker, our GK coach), believe he can go all the way.”

Walker, who knows Anderson better than most as goalkeeping coach for the Highwaymen, is keen to maintain a close eye on the youngster’s development during his season-long loan.

“James is at an ideal place at Dunston; he steps up a level in terms of his week-to-week matchdays, not to mention the strong relationships we have with the staff and people in general there,” he said.

“I know the new goalkeeping coach, Lee Kennedy, really well, so James can only progress positively with all parties being able to monitor his development closely.”