The EFL Trophy has slowly found itself as a competition where youngsters are handed their professional debuts. And Sunderland did just that with Stephen Wearne, and then some.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder came on 63 minutes in to make his debut for the Black Cats. And within nine minutes, Wearne was on the scoresheet for Sunderland.
Aiden O’Brien’s header from a cross was tapped in by the former Newcastle academy star as Wearne kicked off his Sunderland career in perfect fashion.
The goal was also pivotal to the match as Sunderland ran out 2-1 winners against League One rivals Lincoln City. The result put the Black Cats third of Group F, with this being their first EFL Trophy game of the season.
After the northeast side’s 4-0 loss to Portsmouth over the weekend, this result was more than needed for Sunderland. And with no game this coming Saturday, this run-out was crucial for Lee Johnson’s side.
Indeed, the EFL Trophy will likely be low on the Black Cat’s priority list this season. Yet moments like Wearne’s debut goal make the competition worth it for the League One side.
Sunderland fans applaud Wearne for debut goal
And on social media, Sunderland fans were buzzing for the 20-year-old prospect, who grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Here’s what some supporters had to say on Wearne bagging a goal on his debut for Sunderland on Twitter…
https://twitter.com/LDcoachdevelop/status/1445505021697691654
https://twitter.com/niallm1999/status/1445520941098799108
https://twitter.com/DaveWood16/status/1445503303261978639
https://twitter.com/neil_macaulay/status/1445505675111460865
https://twitter.com/Laking86/status/1445508998141153286
https://twitter.com/alfbibby/status/1445510308756291587
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