Oscar Chamberlain speaks with Lynden Gooch following a breakthrough period for the USA international.
The 21-year-old has featured regularly under Simon Grayson and he hailed the Sunderland boss for helping his progression every step of the way.
Gooch also reflected on his first goal at the Stadium of Light, 11 years in the making, while casting his eye on what’s to come as preparations gear towards next week’s home game against Queens Park Rangers.
Read the full interview below…
Lynden, what has been your personal overview of the season so far, it must be great to be playing games and playing well?
LG: “It’s really good. At the start of the season I wasn’t playing much, but in recent weeks I’ve broken into the team and I’ve been played quite a bit. I’ve managed to make an impact as well which is important."
It seems like the manager has a good relationship and good dialogue with the players, regardless of whether they’re in or out of the team…
LG: “Yeah he does. Every time I’ve not been in the squad he’s spoken to me and urged me to keep going, as I’m close and I just need to keep doing the right things. That’s what I’ve done and when I’ve been in the team he’s tried to help me as well, and he’s given me a lot of confidence.”
How much of a boost does that give you as a young player, as I’m sure it can be disheartening to see a teamsheet without your name on?
LG: “It’s really helpful because there’s been times when I’ve thought I’ve had a good chance of playing and I’ve not, but he’s pulled me aside and said I’ve not done anything wrong. That’s really important as a young player because you can start to doubt yourself and dwell on it.”
And when you have played you’ve received a lot of praise, not only from the manager and the backroom team but also the fans…
LG: “I’ve just tried to work hard and support Vaughny as much as I can. You know he’s going to win a lot of balls in the air so it’s important to get round him, and try to create chances and score goals.”
I think I know what it is, but if you can pinpoint one moment of your season so far, what would it be?
LG: “Scoring at home. That was a big achievement for me because I’ve obviously been here for a long time. There were a few nerves stepping up to take the penalty because it was a big moment in the game. I’ve been coming here for 11 years so it was a long time coming.”
Another player who is back in the team is Duncan Watmore. How important is it to have him back in the fold?
LG: “I’ve played a lot with him at under-23 level and we’ve seen all of the hard work he’s put in over the last nine months, so it’s good to have him back in the team and it’s given us a big lift.”
And with QPR up next at the Stadium of Light, important to build on that point at Deepdale and really kickstart our season?
LG: “Of course. We’re getting a lot of players back fit now and there’s going to be a lot of competition for places which will really help the team. That will make sure everyone ups their game and it'll push everyone. We need to win that first home game after the international break.”