Talented Sunderland youngster is in contention to face Middlesbrough

Sunderland fans have been waiting patiently for Tom Watson to get his first-team chance

Tom Watson could be in line for a run-out as Sunderland take on Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light.

Boro make the short trip to Wearside where they’ll look to replicate last season’s unexpected 4-0 scoreline in favour of Michael Carrick’s side.

Sunderland though have started the 2024/25 season in fine form, taking 12 points from a possible 15 following a 3-2 defeat vs Plymouth Argyle last time out.

Regis Le Bris has transformed the playing style and despite the loss of Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town, the Black Cats remain a threat and have dangerous players throughout the team. Romaine Mundle has now scored three in his last three as he continues to shine in Clarke’s absence.

There’s been impressive individual performances across the pitch too, from the likes of Chris Rigg, Patrick Roberts and Luke O’Nien while several summer signings have still yet to feature in the first team.

Le Bris may already have a few selection headaches going into the game vs Boro, and it means see some lesser-seen faces given a run out. One of those could be Watson.

Sunderland fans have been waiting patiently for Watson to get his chance in the first-team, as has the player himself.

Now with Clarke gone, Watson looks set to step up into the first-team and take on what was Mundle’s role in the side, and play back-up to Mundle himself.

Watson continues to impress for the U21s at Sunderland. Though on Wednesday night, he was left out of the youngster’s clash vs Borussia Monchengladbach, sparking suggestions of him being saved for the Boro clash.

He has been training with the first team ahead of Middlesbrough, suggesting that Le Bris will finally give Watson his first appearance of the season this weekend.

The 18-year-old has been an unused substitute in the last three Championship games now and appears to be outgrowing U21s football at Sunderland.

Throwing the winger in against Middlesbrough, no doubt off the bench, would be throwing him in at the deep end.

But it would be a real test of his mettle and of his ability to come in and make his first appearance of the season in a local rivalry, and against good opposition.