Sunderland youngster Dylan McEvoy is keen to impress on loan at Boston United as he believes it can help him succeed on Wearside.
The 18-year-old has made seven appearances in the National League North for the Pilgrims since joining them last month and, following the extension of his one-month deal, has spoke about how the move can prove beneficial for him and his development.
Watmore's success is an example
Speaking to the Boston Standard, McEvoy revealed how he believes Duncan Watmore's success with the Black Cats is an example for youngsters to follow as they too get the chance to experience non-league football.
Watmore earned a move to Wearside back in 2013 after a blistering season with Altrincham as a teenager and has this campaign started to appear on the fringes of Sunderland's first team, as well as in England's under-21 side.
McEvoy said that the 21-year-old's development has been "helped" by his non-league experience, and now he is just "getting better and better every week," adjusting to the step up.
The youngster is not the only one who has noticed Watmore's talent and promise either, with former Sunderland man Kevin Phillips heaping praise on the winger, as well as his manager Sam Allardyce and teammate Jermain Defoe.
"He's gone to the first team and done really well," McEvoy continued, adding that he is now looking to emulate this success by "impressing" with Boston and catching Allardyce's eye as a result.
Blinco follows McEvoy to the Jakemans Stadium
The Sunderland hierarchy clearly see the relationship they have with Boston as something that can benefit their Academy prospects too, as they have now sent Jordan Blinco to join McEvoy in Lincolnshire too.
Another 18-year-old, Blinco primarily operates on the left wing and was signed on a one-month loan deal by the Pilgrims on Friday, making his debut for them the following day as he played 74 minutes in their 2-0 win at home to Corby Town.
He has been an integral part of Sunderland's under-18 side over the past couple of seasons and, having earned himself a few cameo appearances in the under-21s, is now out to add valuable experience to his promising talent.