Josh Maja has paid homage to Joel Asoro as he looks to stake his claim in Sunderland under-23s starting XI.
The 17-year-old enjoyed a bright campaign last term with the Black Cats youth team and was even given the chance to train with the first-team towards the end of the season.
Having partaken in the warm-ups against both Arsenal and Watford, Maja is well aware of the pressures the first-team set-up brings.
Despite still only being a second-year scholar, the forward told safc.com ahead of the development squad’s Premier League 2 fixture on Sunday at home to Southampton that hard work is key to any youngster following in the footsteps of fellow scholar Asoro.
“I played 10 minutes against Leicester and hopefully I can get some more minutes against Southampton so I can show people what I can do in games,” he said.
“I want to make a difference but that all starts in training. I need to work hard and stay focused, I can’t allow myself to get down because it’s up to me to show the manager how good I am.
“Joel has done it and he did really well the other night when he played the full game. Hopefully there will be more chances for myself and other young lads if we reach those levels as well.”
He continued: “It’s going to be a tough game because Southampton are a good side but we showed good resilience from the two games and hopefully we can get another win.”
Match info
Fixture: Sunderland U23s v Southampton U23s
Ground: Eppleton Colliery Welfare
Date and kick-off: Sunday 28 August, kick-off 1pm
Entry: General admission for the game is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s while 2016-17 season card holders can gain free entry.
All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.
