Josh Maja has put his recent upturn in form down to his hard work at the Academy of Light.
The 17-year-old has scored twice in as many games as he bids to catch the eye of David Moyes following his first-team debut in September’s EFL Cup victory at Queens Park Rangers.
Maja came off the bench before Paddy McNair’s doubled turned the tie on its head at Loftus Road as Sunderland sealed their place in the next round.
Since then the young forward has been working hard on the training ground to improve his game, and with a match-winning strike against Blackburn Rovers at the start of November, Maja was again on target last Wednesday as he inspired a late comeback against League Two outfit Notts County.
“I’m very happy because in training I have been working very hard on my finishing and it’s great to see that it’s paying off in games,” he said.
“It’s great to see the rewards in training. I want to contribute to the team and it gives you great confidence seeing the hard work you’ve put in is paying off.
“It was a great win for the Lads. It wasn’t easy but it was nice to come from behind and to contribute with a goal was pleasing.
“Hopefully my performances in the under-23s can push me to get a chance in the first-team,” he continued.
“It was great to get my chance at QPR but I know there is still plenty of hard work to do.
“My goals in recent weeks have been pleasing but I know there is still room for improvement. I need to keep scoring and working hard, that’s all I can do.”
