Jordan Pickford’s dreams became reality on Wednesday evening when the local stopper made his Stadium of Light bow.
However, there is little time for reflection for the 21-year-old who is in line to start against Southampton on Saturday after Vito Mannone was ruled out of action.
Pickford made his first-team debut last season in an FA Cup tie at Arsenal, with further appearances coming at Tottenham Hotspur and Watford after he was recalled from an impressive loan spell at Preston North End.
And after keeping his first Sunderland clean sheet against Shrewsbury Town, Pickford was quick to look ahead with a trip to Southampton looming on the horizon.
“It was a great moment for me on Wednesday with a good result, and I was also happy to keep a clean sheet.
“It was a dream for me to play at the Stadium of Light because as a young lad I used to come here all the time, and I used to be chanting songs so it’s amazing to have my own.”
He added: “It was really good for the lads to progress and we look forward to the next round, as well as another big game against Southampton on Saturday.”
Match betting odds with Dafabet
Jermain Defoe to score first now 10/1 (was 8/1)
Adnan Januzaj to score anytime now 9/2 (was 15/4)
Sunderland to win and under 2.50 goals now 11/1 (was 17/2)
Sunderland to win and both teams to score now 14/1 (was 12/1)
Visit Dafabet’s official website for more odds
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