Sunderland youth star targets more first-team action after brace for the U21’s

Sunderland’s Tommy Watson is hoping for more opportunities in the first-team after starring for the under-21’s when the Black Cats put six past Derby County on Monday night.

Watson helped Sunderland U21’s put a Derby County side to the sword in the 6-0 victory, grabbing two goals on the night. The first of the two was vintage Watson as he took on a defender, before opening the scoring with a tidy left footed finish across Derby goalkeeper Harley Price.

He was then amongst the action again, linking up with debutant Aaron Connolly with a lovely give and go to send Connolly through on goal who poked it past the keeper. Sunderland then delivered Derby a knockout blow scoring three times in quick succession with Watson grabbing the final goal on the counter, slipped through by substitute Rhys Walsh and still with a lot to do danced past his defender and delicately scooped it past the keeper.

Watson has revealed that being in and around the first team pushing for minutes is something that excites him. “It’s class to be honest. I’ve been waiting a long time for the opportunity. I’ve been on the fringes for quite some time, but the idea of working towards more first-team minutes is a real target.” Tommy told safc.com.

Sunderland fans will relish hearing the youngsters eagerness to play for the Black Cats following interest from Premier League Brighton on deadline day during the summer, with the club knocking back multiple bids.

Watson explained how it was ‘good to be back’ with the Under 21 side after some first team minutes, but admitted it was ‘bitter-sweet’ as he did not think the team were at their best and also said he wasn’t at his personal best. This is despite the forward notching two goals and an assist, showing the high standards Watson has set and challenged himself to hit throughout the season.

The youngster has featured in all but one of the first-team squads this season including a fairly impressive substitute cameo against Watford as the Black Cats pushed for an equaliser. Although he has admitted that the transition between the two teams is ‘a bit of a jump’.

Under-21 boss Graham Murty has called for Sunderland to be ‘careful’ with the teenager following his first team minutes.

After the international break, high-flying Sunderland will travel to Hull City and Watson may be in contention for another chance to impress in front of first-team manager Regis Le Bris.