Josh Maja is aiming to impress in Sunderland’s final three pre-season games, as he targets a place in the matchday squad against Derby County.
- Watch Maja strike against Hartlepool United
- Simon Grayson praises the youngsters
- Meet Aiden McGeady at the club store
The Sky Bet Championship season is under just over two weeks away and Maja, to put it lightly, is on fire with the striker putting in a string of eye-catching performances under Simon Grayson.
A brace against Bury was followed by a first start against Hibernian, and he notched his third pre-season strike yesterday against Hartlepool as he once again earned a place in the starting XI.
And although the 18-year-old is refusing to get ahead of himself, he believes hard work over the next two weeks can pave the way for an opening-day spot against the Rams.
“The next three games are really important for me as a player because I want to try and make my mark so I’m in the side – or on the bench – against Derby County.
“Hopefully I can stay in the squad and keep impressing the manager, and if I do that I’ll hopefully get my opportunity and take it this season.
“It was another tough game but the lads worked hard and grafted for the win,” continued Maja.
“I’ve been working hard in training, listening to the players and coaches who have helped me get through the sessions and the games, and that’s helping me improve as a player.
“I think I’ve done really well because I’ve dealt with the physical side of the game as well as the technical side, but I have to keep pushing and make sure I maintain that standard.
“We [myself and the other youngsters] are just trying to improve as players.”
