Sunderland starlet Jack Whittaker was included in last weekend’s first team squad against Oxford United.
Sunderland starlet Jack Whittaker has vowed to “push on” after being included in Regis Le Bris’ first team squad for last weekend’s FA Cup fourth round victory over Oxford United.
The 19-year-old is yet to make his senior bow for the Black Cats, but has caught the eye with a series of impressive displays for Graeme Murty’s U21s in recent months. In response to his performances, Le Bris saw fit to name Whittaker on his bench for Sunday’s trip to the Kassam Stadium.
And in a fresh interview with Sunderland’s in-house media team, the midfielder has claimed that he will use the head coach’s recognition has further motivation as he continues his personal development at the Academy of Light.
What did Jack Whittaker say about his Sunderland first team call-up?
Whittaker said: “It was really good to be around the first team squad to see how they prepare and the way the group goes about getting ready for a game. It’s also a good feeling that my performances are being recognised and it gives me the confidence to push on. Hopefully, I can keep getting opportunities like Sunday to help me progress as an individual and a player.”
At the time of writing, Sunderland U21s are enjoying a run of four matches unbeaten, and Whittaker has also reflected on his more prominent role in the group of late. He continued: “There’s definitely confidence and belief going through the group at the minute. We’ve got a very young group, but the chemistry between us all is great.
“For a while, I’ve been one of the younger ones in the group, but very quickly, it’s turned into me being the fourth oldest. It’s a new role for me, being the leader and leading by example, but it’s also helped me improve my communication and things like that. It’s really good to be a main, solidified part of the team and it’s exciting having some new younger players join the group.”
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Whittaker also looked back on the U21s’ stunning 6-1 Premier League Cup victory over Nottingham Forest last week - a game in which he scored a remarkable free-kick. He said: “Before the game, we were all really excited to come up against a good opposition on a big pitch and I think that showed in the performance. Something that we’ve been looking at improving on all season is putting away our chances – and we were really clinical last Wednesday.
“I saw the opportunity to bend the free-kick around the wall, and I thought I’ll just go for it. I couldn’t have put it in a better spot, to be honest. We’re on a good winning run at the moment, so we’re all really happy.”
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