Tom Robson is still flying high after realising a lifelong dream.
The academy defender made his first-team debut for Sunderland during their 2-2 draw against Watford on the final day of the 2015-16 season, with Sam Allardyce handing a number of youngsters the opportunity to impress after safety was secured.
Robson was outstanding throughout the contest as a youthful side more than matched the full-strength Hornets, and had it not been for two poor decisions the Black Cats would have ended the season with a win.
Instead they had to settle for a draw as Duncan Watmore and Dame N’Doye saw goals incorrectly chalked off, but it did little to tarnish a memorable day for Robson who was lost for words post-match.
“Words can’t even describe it. It was unbelievable,” said Robson. “I tried to block out the crowd as much as I could to just concentrate on the game, but the Sunderland fans were just incredible and you couldn’t do it.
“The doc pulled me the day before and asked me how I was feeling but I felt fine and it was the same when I woke up on the day of the game, but when we arrived and I soaked it all in it really started to hit me.”
He continued: “I thought I might be involved after being named in the squad because the team were safe, but it’s happened and I’ve played in the Premier League.
“I couldn’t really take it in at the time and it was even better that my mam and dad were there to watch me, but now I have to work hard over the summer and come back and impress.
“Hopefully I can start pre-season the way I ended this one.”
