Lynden Gooch made his first Sunderland appearance in their match against Manchester City on the opening day of the season.
Sunderland youngster Lynden Gooch has told the Guardian that he was shocked when David Moyes informed him that he was starting against Manchester City on the opening day of the season.
Gooch was a surprise starter for Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium, and he was told the news by Moyes 24 hours before the match in a team meeting.
The 20-year-old had enjoyed an impressive pre-season, but he admits he had to look around the room to check with his teammates that what he heard was correct.
“I was looking around, checking to make sure it was right,” Gooch said. “All the lads said: ‘Yeah, yeah, you’re fine’. I was like: ‘Oh!’”
Gooch has gone on to impress in his initial showings in Sunderland’s first-team, with Moyes showing great faith in him.
The attacking midfielder has made five appearances in total for the Black Cats in all competitions.
Gooch could be involved again this evening, with Sunderland scheduled to take on Queens Park Rangers in EFL Cup action.
Moyes’ side go into the match on the back of defeats against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, and they will be determined to get back to winning ways.
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