Joel Asoro cut a relaxed figure on the eve of Sunderland’s trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers despite speculation swirling that Chris Coleman could start the 18-year-old at Molineux.
The Red and White Army have immediately taken to the electric frontman following impressive cameos against Aston Villa, Burton Albion and Reading, with the Swede registering assists against the Brewers and the Royals.
Injuries and suspensions have opened the door for Asoro to feature prominently this weekend as the Black Cats take on the league leaders, but competition for places will be fierce as James Vaughan, Lynden Gooch and several others push to be included.
But despite the hype, the 18-year-old is relaxed ahead of the game and happy to bide to his time.
“We know the manager is going to use young players but you have to show why you deserve to be one of them.
“I’ve taken a lot of confidence from the last two games but I’m not sitting here saying ‘now I need to start’, I’m just waiting for the time when the manager thinks I’m ready.
“There’s still plenty of time and I’m not stressing about it,” explained Asoro.
“If it’s 0-0 with ten minutes to play and I’m called upon I’ll be ready, I’ll take that ‘super sub’ role anytime and I feel comfortable with it, but the manager’s not just going to throw me in and say ‘score some goals’ if I don’t suit the situation.
“When you train with the first team every day it’s easy to think that you’re the same age, but I’m not even though they’ve taken me in as one of them.
“At Burton, my celebration wasn’t just about me doing well, it was seeing how happy the fans were – and the manager as he got his first win – and because it felt like we did it as a team that I was part of.”
Asoro burst onto the scene in 2016 under David Moyes with several pre-season performances catching the eye, but despite going on to make his Premier League debut he soon dropped back down to under-23 level to continue his development.
The forward admits he found it tough after getting a taste for first-team action, but believes lessons were learned and playing at under-23 level isn’t necessarily a step back.
“I have to remember that I’m still young and when players come back I might have to drop back down to the under-23s, but the moment that happens I’ll be fighting to get back as soon as I can.
“It doesn’t make you happy when it happens and you get a little bit angry, but you have to remember you are there for a reason whether it’s to get your confidence back or show how you react mentally.”
He added: “You have to channel that frustration positively and you can’t worry about it.
“Later in your career you will understand why and that sometimes dropping back down is for your own benefit.”