After impressing during Sunderland’s pre-season training camp in Austria, starlet Josh Maja is refusing to rest on his laurels with hard work paving the way to success.
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The 18-year-old regularly stood out for the club’s under-23s last season and this led to first-team opportunities with the striker often called to train alongside the senior pros.
Maja made his Sunderland debut in last season’s EFL Cup win over Queens Park Rangers, coming off the bench late on as Paddy McNair’s double secured a 2-1 win for the Lads.
And speaking to safc.com, the youngster revealed he’s thoroughly enjoying working under new manager Simon Grayson.
“I’ve been working hard here in Austria and trying to show the new manager what I can do,” said Maja.
“The manager has spoken to me a few times about my game and how I can improve – he’s very approachable and he’s really pushed me this pre-season so hopefully I’ll get a chance.”
And Maja, who has already shown an eye for goal in training, is hoping his shooting boots are called upon when the Black Cats head to Gigg Lane on Friday evening.
“If I get the chance to play then I’ll work hard and hopefully that will lead to goals.
“The Championship is a tough league but games come fast so if you get a chance and take it you’ll be in the team, so I just have to make sure I show what I can do and make the most of every second I get.”
He continued: “It’s been great to train with the first team because they work at a high standard and it will help me improve as a player.
“Last season I trained with them sometimes and to be able to learn from people like Jermain Defoe, who is an inspiration and a natural goalscorer, was great.
“I look up to him because of his record at Tottenham, Sunderland and England, and he’s given me plenty of tips about my movement and finishing.”
And although Maja’s mentor has departed Wearside for AFC Bournemouth, his other first-team colleagues have helped him settle in to the rough and tumble of senior football.
“The senior lads have been encouraging me and that’s helped me because they’re always talking and making sure you’re on it.
“Hopefully I continue to get the opportunity to do train with them because I’m really enjoying it.”
🥅 With all the other pairs scoring, @J_Maj10 has one last chance to find the net of risk losing the competition...
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) 6 July 2017
No pressure, Josh... pic.twitter.com/tAdFNhG1Z1
