Taylor hopes to repay Johnson’s faith in him
Sunderland winger Ellis Taylor admits it’s been a big step up training with the first team but says he’s growing in confidence each week.
The 18-year-old is rated highly at the Academy of Light and made his senior debut for the Black Cats in a Carabao Cup win over Port Vale in August.
Taylor has also started both of Sunderland’s games in the Papa John’s Trophy this season, and assisted Stephen Wearne’s winner against Manchester United Under21s at the Stadium of Light.
"The game was unbelievable and I w as buzzing,” Taylor said after the match.
“In front of the fans, a few of the young lads on the bench getting their debuts, it was class.
“I thought we deserved it really, we were under a bit of pressure at the end but I thought we rode the storm quite well so I’m buzzing.”
It wasn’t Taylor’s first experience playing for the senior side at the Stadium of Light, as the teenager was part of first-team training during pre-season and featured in a friendly win over Hull.
Black Cats boss Lee Johnson has highlighted Taylor’s ability and potential, and the winger hopes he can repay the head coach’s faith.
“It’s a big step up and when I first went up obviously I was nervous, but now I’m in and around it,” Taylor added.
“I love training everyday and I’m getting more and more confident as the weeks go on. With the gaffer helping me, he likes me so I just need to prove to him what I can do.
“Hopefully I can keep on impressing and keep on getting in the side, getting on the bench and hopefully my league debut comes soon.”