Dan Neil's stellar form in his breakthrough season has been recognised with the midfielder named North East Football Writers’ Association's Young Player of the Year 2021.
Neil made his league debut back in March, but this season the 20-year-old has become a mainstay of Lee Johnson's promotion-chasing side having started 25 of the Black Cats ' League One games.
The award has been running for 13 years, with Sunderland academy products collecting the prize on four occasions.
READ MORE: Sunderland and Lee Johnson charged by FA following touchline melee against Lincoln City
Neil becomes the third Sunderland player win the award, following on from midfielder Jack Colback in 2013 while future England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford won it twice in 2016 and 2017.
Neil said: "I am honoured to win this award because I know how big it is within the North East, but it was a surprise became this is my first real season playing first-team football and I know the players who have won it in the past.
"Of course, it means more because it is a local award and there is a lot of top talent within the region, so to be recognised as one of the best is a real privilege."
Neil has scored three goals in his 38 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland and he has also earned a call-up to the England U20 squad, making his debut against Portugal in November.
Neil signed a new long-term contract with Sunderland in October, keeping him at the club until 2025.
Last week Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin was named NEFWA Player of the year, and Durham's Sarah Robson won the women’s award.
All three will be presented with their awards at the NEFWA annual awards dinner on Sunday, March 6, at the Ramside Hall Hotel and Spa in Durham.
Last year’s winners, Middlesbrough pair Jonny Howson and Marcus Tavernier, will also collect their awards and Neil's Sunderland team-mate Luke O'Nien will be presented with last year's Sir Bobby Robson Foundation's personality of the year award.
Tickets are available for the awards dinner with further details are available from Claire Stephen on 0191 375 3080 or by emailing claire.stephen@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk
For the latest Sunderland news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
