Luke Molyneux is hopeful of some more game time after scoring a later winner for Sunderland under-23s on Friday night against Benfica.
The Black Cats produced a clinical display as Joel Asoro skipped his way into the area before arrowing a thunderous strike into the bottom corner.
However, the Portuguese outfit fought back and made Andy Welsh’s side rue their missed chances when Heriberto Tavares poked the ball home early in the second period to level the tie.
Sunderland weren’t to be undone again though and as time ticked towards the 90th minute, Molyneux popped up at the back post to slot home George Honeyman’s miscued effort.
That proved to be winning goal as the development squad held on to secure their first win in the Premier League International Cup.
But the Black Cats have no time to dwell on that result as they turn their attentions back to their Premier League 2 campaign with a trip to Manchester United on Monday evening.
“I was very pleased with the goal and especially to get some more game time,” Molyneux said. “It was a great team performance and the lads worked very well to get the win over Benfica.
“It has been a hard few months because I came from the under-18s so I’m trying to make that step-up at the moment.
“We are playing against physically stronger and better technical sides so I’m trying to adapt to things being a lot quicker than in the youth team.”
He continued: “We have a big game against Manchester United coming up. Hopefully we can continue the run of form we have been on and maybe get some more game time under my belt.”
