Lynden Gooch is loving every second of life at Sunderland under Jack Ross’ management.
On Saturday, the youngster turned home his second and third goals of pre-season as the Lads hit Saint Mirren for six.
Josh Maja was also on hand with a brace while fellow academy young guns George Honeyman and Luke Molyneux turned home the fifth and sixth to cap off a glittering display in Scotland.
And speaking to safc.com on the back of scoring three in two, Gooch has put his form down to Ross’ attacking style which promotes the importance of hard work at the top end of the field without possession.
“We played brilliant with and without the ball,” he said.
“It is important we score goals, get that winning mentality back and be more ruthless – on Saturday we did that.
“I have been saying that I want to add goals and assists to my game.
“The gaffer has been great since he came in. He has been telling me to express myself, get shots on target and be aggressive.
“I am taking each game as it comes but I am just trying to score and set-up as many as I can.
“I am really enjoying life with the gaffer,” he continued.
“Everyone is, and I think you can see that. His approach is attacking football and to press high up the pitch.
“That’s exactly how myself and George (Honeyman) like to approach it as well so it is massive for us to be playing this style.”