Jack Whittaker’s brace against Blackburn caps rapid rise for Sunderland youngster after first-team involvement and 10 goal contributions this season
Jack Whittaker admitted it felt “unbelievable” after firing Sunderland U21s into the Premier League Cup final - capping a rapid rise that has already seen him step into the first-team environment this season.
The forward struck twice as Graeme Murty’s side beat Blackburn Rovers 4-2 at the Stadium of Light, booking a place in the final against Burnley and underlining his growing influence within the academy set-up.
"It's unbelievable, I think, especially with a slow start to the season, getting through to the final is a really special achievement," he said after the game. “I'm happy for the lads because it's a new group, a kind of transition from an older group to a younger group towards the end of the season. I'm really happy."
Whittaker’s double took his tally across competitions this season to eight goals and two assists in 27 appearances. In Premier League 2, he has featured 18 times and scored four goals, while his impact has been particularly notable in cup competitions. He has netted three times in five Premier League Cup appearances - including his semi-final brace - and added further contributions in the Premier League International Cup and National League Cup.
Whittaker has increasingly been exposed to the demands of senior football, training regularly with Régis Le Bris’ first-team squad and earning places in matchday squads. He was named on the bench for Sunderland’s Premier League clash against Brighton, as well as FA Cup ties against Port Vale and Oxford United, and earlier in the season was included in the squad for the Carabao Cup fixture against Huddersfield Town.
"I think my development over the last few weeks has been good, I'm really happy with it," Whittaker explained. "I think going with the first team to help me increase my speed of play, be more effective with what I'm doing, and I think that showed tonight with the two goals. It's exactly what I wanted to do before the game," he said. "Playing an advanced role, I want to go and score goals, and doing it at the stadium is a great feeling, hearing the fans in the stadium as well."
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