Denver Hume is savouring every second in red and white, and has admitted it’s up to him to grab hold of the opportunity in front of him.
The young full-back completed his first 90 minutes for Sunderland under-23s last Monday as they suffered defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.
Kazaiah Sterling scored the game’s only goal at the Lamex Stadium, pouncing on an error from Max Stryjek to inflict a sixth Premier League 2 loss on the Black Cats this season.
However, as Elliott Dickman’s side head to Burnley on Monday Hume is hopeful of racking up more minutes as he looks to cement his place in the development squad following Tommy Robson’s loan move to Irish Premier Division side Limerick.
“I thought we had done very well once they had scored their goal,” he said.
“It was a tough night (at Tottenham) because we had to get back together as a team early on after the setback but we did well to limit their chances.
“Unfortunately we weren’t able to take one of our chances and in the end that early goal cost us”
He continued: “It’s important we move on now and look to concentrate on the next game.
“It is a good opportunity for me to stake my claim in the team now, Tommy (Robson) has done well and he has earned his loan move.
“That’s given me a chance now and Elliott (Dickman) has said I have got my chance to go and play now but it’s up to me to make sure I take it.”
