After his impressive Premier League debut last weekend, Kevin Ball says that Duncan Watmore must now push for a first team role.
Watmore came off the bench for Sunderland on Saturday and scored their only goal in a 3-1 defeat to Norwich City, being the bright spot on another dark day for the Wearside outfit as they followed up defeat on the opening day with a home loss.
The youngster has been described as the one positive from the season so far, and now Ball believes he should be looking to become a regular in Dick Advocaat's side.
Impressive cameo can lead to first team spot
Speaking to the club's official website, Ball said that Watmore "absolutely" performed well when he was subbed on with 20 minutes to play, adding that "he displayed passion, enthusiasm and quality" in his short appearance, plus "he's scored a goal at the end of the game."
The development coach said that the young winger now "has to earn the right to be in the manager's team week in week out," something that will not "just...come to him," but instead something that will require him "to keep performing in training," as well as taking his chances "when he gets the opportunity to play" - which "he did on Saturday."
Ball reflects on Watmore's early Sunderland experiences
Ball also spoke about the impression Watmore left when he first arrived at the club, joining from Altrincham back in 2013.
The former Black Cat said that, upon his arrival, the academy told the winger that "during [his] first six months" he would "need to show [them] the reasons why [they] wanted [him] to come to club," admitting that "he not only did it, but did it well."
Ball described the 21-year-old as someone who has "always been very appreciative of everyone who surrounded him" during his development, saying that "the nice thing on Saturday was seeing all the under-21 players standing up to applaud him," not only "when he made his debut," but also "when he scored and when he came off."
The coach revealed that those in the academy have "all had an affinity with [Watmore] over the past few years" whilst they have "tried to help him get into the first team," and thus it was "great" to see him "come on and make an impact."
Advocaat admits winger likely not to start at the weekend, despite goal
However, Advocaat, speaking to the Sunderland Echo earlier this week, revealed that Watmore is not a nailed on starter for this weekend's game against Swansea City, despite it being a must-win game for a side yet to clinch their first victory of the season.
The manager said that, whilst he was impressed with the substitute, "start[ing] as a regular" is very "different" to coming off the bench, and therefore "it's possible that he will not play" on Saturday.
Yet, Watmore may still get a chance off the bench again, especially if his team are in trouble once more and in need of some inspiration.