Sunderland coach Kevin Ball is backing Duncan Watmore to be a first team success this season.

Watmore is already off the mark for the Black Cats.

Ball told safc.com: “It is interesting going back to when Duncan first arrived at the club (from Altrincham).

“We said to him that during your first six months you need to show us the reasons why we wanted you to come to the club, and he not only did it but did it well.

“He's always been very appreciative of everyone who surrounded him and the nice thing on Saturday was seeing all the Under-21 players standing up to applaud him when he made his debut, when he scored and when he came off.

“We've all had an affinity with him over the past few years as we've tried to help him get to the first team, so it's great to see him come on and make an impact."