Sunderland AFC youngster Rees Greenwood has said that the club securing survival as early as possible could be beneficial for his career at the Stadium of Light.
More to come
The 19-year-old has been mightily impressive in the highly regarded under-21 side at the Black Cats. With the senior side securing their top-flight safety with the 3-0 over Everton, that allowed manager Sam Allardyce to give the youngster his opportunity.
Greenwood was one of the three youngsters, along with Tommy Robson and George Honeyman, to feature in the final game of the season in the 2-2 draw with Watford. He said that he is more opportunities like that come the next campaign.
Greenwood told The Chronicle that he is hopeful that the club can "completely avoid the relegation" as it would help the "younger lads" get "more game-time".
He continued, saying if the club can "start the season well" at a "steady pace" they can "enjoy a good season". He has been "training with the squad" for some time and is "ready to put the work in".
Future is bright
The three youngsters all made their top-flight debuts in the stalemate at Vicarage Road, and with the likes of Jordan Pickford and Duncan Watmore already breaking into the team, the future is bright. Greenwood said that he and others need to state their claim in pre-season.
The teenager said that he would like to think that he would "stay in and around the first-team picture" next season but acknowledged that it is "not up" to him.
He continued, saying that he had been given his "pre-season stuff" and is "looking good", adding that the previous campaign was his "best season so far". He admitted he was "really pleased" with his performances and that he wants to get "better and better" to reach the "highest level" that he can.