THE Stadium of Light has been dimmed with gloom this season but Tom Beadling insists Sunderland has provided a bright football education.

And the Pars loanee believes his rise through the youth ranks on Wearside can help him shine for his new club as he attempts to make a name for himself in a first-team environment.

Beadling, 22, agreed to a temporary switch from red and white to black and white stripes last Tuesday after impressing Allan Johnston, who enjoyed a spell playing with Sunderland during his career.

The Barrow-born player, who spent time growing up in Australia before joining the Black Cats Academy at the age of eight, can operate both a centre back and in his preferred position of central midfield.

Although he has made the bench for Sunderland’s first team – including in their recent FA Cup defeat at Middlesbrough – he has yet to make a senior appearance for the club.

Beadling did spend time on loan at English League One outfit Bury last season but, after just two appearances for the Shakers, he’s determined to grasp the chance to play regular first-team football.

Dunfermline Press:

Ahead of making his Pars bow at Cappielow on Saturday - where he netted the opening goal in the 2-1 defeat - he told Press Sport: “I’ve been looking to get out somewhere and play some games, and this is the perfect place to do that, so I can’t wait to get started.

“It’s been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks. I came up last week and got a feel for the place – and obviously they got a feel for me – so it’s been pretty straightforward since then.

“I got a call to say that they wanted me to come up, so straight away I said yeah no problem, get it sorted. The club looked after me very well, I really enjoyed my time so I’m delighted to get it over the line.

“I came through at the Sunderland Academy. I’ve been there since the age of eight; I went on loan to Bury, came back to Sunderland and then joined here on loan for the rest of the season.

“It (Sunderland) is a great club and a big club. They’re obviously not doing too well at the minute but hopefully they can turn it around.

“I spent the majority of my time growing up there and I learned a lot.”

He’s now also hoping to impress potential suitors as, while he is on loan with Dunfermline, his contract with Sunderland is up at the end of the season.

When asked whether it was a wrench to move away from the English Championship strugglers, Beadling continued: “There is and there isn’t.

“It works both ways but I just need to get out there and play first-team football. That was my aim from the start and that’s what I’ve done.

“I’m looking for regular games and to really establish myself, so fingers crossed I can do that here.”

Although noted by Sunderland’s website as an “old-school defender”, Beadling sees himself in a more advanced role and is confident he can add to Johnston’s options in the middle of the park.

He added: “I can play as a centre half but I do prefer playing in the middle of the park. I like getting on the ball and I think I’ve got a lot more to offer in that area.

“I was impressed with the squad straightaway. This is a good place to be.”