‘Dream come true – ‘Sunderland youngster reacts to first-team call-up under Mike Dodds

Tom Lavery, a teenage player from Sunderland, described last weekend’s call-up to Mike Dodds’ senior sides as a “dream come true”.

The 18-year-old alumnus of Academy of Light was included in the Black Cats matchday squad for their Championship match against Swansea City on Saturday. He watched from the bench as his teammates lost 2-1.

Lavery stated on Sunderland’s website: “When I found out, it was a dream come true.” Although the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped for, I had the best experience overall. It was an amazing experience to stand on the field during halftime and watch the crowd applaud. I’m hoping to have more of these in the future and am looking forward to it.

Lavery, who joined at the age of nine, continued, “Last Friday morning I was training with the U21s and then Doddsy put me in the small-sided game for the first team and I thought that would be just to make up the numbers and stuff like that.”

“He claimed he was impressed with me this season and wanted to start me on the bench for the first team when he pulled me over. My first thought was that I was shocked. I believe I said, “You’re joking,” but in all honesty, I was overjoyed.

“I addressed my dad directly. I believe he also believed that I was kidding. I’ve been here since I was nine years old, so all my hard work has paid off. It’s a dream come true to someday be on the first team bench and compete in every age group.

“My grandfather would always take me to football games.” I believe he was happier than I was when he heard it. The fact that everything worked well made him quite delighted.

“Having the opportunity to play with the U21s and then seizing the opportunity to perform with the U18s has been such a pleasure this season.” Obviously, I’ve returned to the U21 team, where I’m playing well and making a name for myself. One of the best seasons of my life has been this one. I wish to spend more time with it. to reclaim the opportunity to sit on the bench, and should I want to take that chance and establish my reputation as well.

MORE NEWS HERE