Robson hoping for more chances after thrill of debut

Ethan Robson is targeting more first team football at Sunderland after making his debut for the club.

The 20-year-old midfielder, from Houghton, came on as a late sub in the 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.

It was a night to forget for Sunderland but an evening that will live long in the memory for Robson, who has been with the club since the age of eight.

The Under-23 skipper was given a warm pat on the back by manager Simon Grayson before replacing striker James Vaughan.

“It is a shame about the result but I have been at the club since the age of eight and to make my debut is a dream come true,” said Robgreat son.

“It is a ground to make my debut and this was a proudmoment for me and my family. You can see Everton are a Premier League team. “It hink we just have to move on to the next game, which is Cardiff on Saturday.” Robson, who signed a new two-year contract during the 2016-17 season to keep him on Wearside until 2018, is hoping for more first team opportunities after making his debut.

He added: “My aim is to keep playing well and hopefully always be in the gaffer’s plans. I want to keep playing well for the Under-23s.

“Day in day out, to train with the first team is great.

“The step up to play with the first team on a regular basis is what you want.”

Robson is expected to be part of the Under-23 side that host West Ham United at Eppleton Colliery Welfare, in Hetton, on Sunday lunchtime (KO noon) in Premier League 2. Duncan Watmore is set to play a part again as he makes his comeback from the knee injury that ruled him out for nine months.