View: Watson must take Sunderland chance with both hands after Le Bris admission
Tommy Watson is close to being handed his first-team shot at Sunderland and must ensure he grasps it with both hands.
The youngster has starred for the Under-21s side across a number of months now, culminating in his goal to earn a draw against Athletic Bilbao in midweek.
Many supporters would like to see Watson make the step up before too long, and Le Bris appears ready to give him a chance.
“He is close to the team now,” Le Bris said at a press conference on Friday (13 September), as per the Sunderland Echo.
“He has improved a lot in a short space of time. Now, it is about making sure he settles in and fits into the culture we are building here.
“He needs to get to know the game model and the way we want the team to operate. That will come with the experiences he gets with us. I
“I think he is very close to the squad, and he will have opportunities during the periods we are going into where we have three games in a week. I am sure he will get opportunities to show what he is able to do.”
Tommy Watson can play a part for Sunderland
Watson has showed what he is capable of at age-grade level and there is no reason why he cannot no do likewise for the senior side.
That is not to say he will start on a regular basis but, as Le Bris himself pointed out, the fixtures will soon start coming thick and fast.
When factoring in the inevitable injuries that come with a gruelling campaign, plus the occasional suspensions, it makes sense to get Watson involved now.
The 18-year-old made a solitary appearance at senior level in each of the past two Championship seasons and will now be eager for more in 2024-25.
There is a chance he will make the matchday squad to face Plymouth Argyle on Saturday (14 September), which would be a step in the right direction.
Watson will eventually get a chance to properly prove himself, and he must ensure he does not let it pass him by.
In other Sunderland news, Graeme Murty has offered some insight on summer signing Ian Poveda.
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