Sunderland's 17 year-old fullback Michael Kay was thrilled to be on the bench for their defeat at Manchester United.

He said: "I found out on Thursday that I was travelling and it was great finding out on Friday that I was in the 16.

"Of all the games to be involved in for the first time, there couldn't be many bigger.

"I was delighted, but quite nervous on Friday. I didn't know if I was going to end up playing because I knew we had a few injuries.

"The gaffer didn't make a big deal of it.

"The squad list went up on the board and I went to look just like everyone else did. It was a brilliant surprise, but I had an idea that I might have a chance when I was asked to join with first-team training.

"Once I knew I was on the bench, I stopped being nervous and just concentrated on preparing. I was desperate to get on."