While the FA Cup may not have been a priority for Sunderland this season, the third round tie with Stoke City did give Regis Le Bris the chance to hand out some debuts to younger players.
Sunderland can now keep all their attention on chasing promotion to the Premier League, after a 2-1 defeat in extra-time saw the Black Cats crash out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle.
Losing in the FA Cup did come with some positives, though, with Regis Le Bris seeing first-team fringe players like Adil Aouchiche continuing their good form, and young players finally getting their opportunity to show what they can do.
Fans were delighted to see Trey Ogunsuyi take to the field after months of hype, and the teenage talent has now shared how he feels about the big moment.
Trey Ogunsuyi relishes ‘unbelievable’ Sunderland debut
Speaking to the club’s official website in the aftermath of his debut, Ogunsuyi shared his pride at finally taking to the pitch for the senior side, and explained how special the moment was for him after so many years in the Sunderland academy.
He said: “I feel a lot of emotions right now. I’ve been at this club for so long, since I was little, and it has always been my goal to make my debut for the senior team. I want to thank all the staff, the team, and everyone who has helped me get to this point. I’m going to keep pushing myself for more chances.
“I found out I was coming on very late in the game. I was told, ‘get ready, you’re coming on.’ I don’t think I’ll ever forget hearing those words – it was my moment. I even had a chance with a header. That would’ve been special if it went in – on another day it does – but just to have that opportunity was unbelievable.”
Le Bris has championed young talent since he arrived at the club, and the progression path for academy stars is clear to see, with the likes of Tommy Watson making a big impact already this season.
That’s something Ogunsuyi has used to drive him on, adding: “The team is packed with Academy players. It gives you that motivation and encouragement that I can achieve what they have too. There’s a path here if you work hard. I’ve seen it, and I was lucky enough to get a chance today.
“But now, I need to keep going. Every time I get involved, I feel more comfortable. The lads have all played their part, welcoming me and helping me settle in. But I know I need to keep working, and hopefully, I’ll get another chance soon.”
Should Ogusuyi stay at Sunderland now or go out on loan?
While it’s fantastic that Ogunsuyi finally made his debut, there is definitely a feeling that Le Bris should have introduced him earlier in the game.
Indeed, only giving the young striker nine minutes to make an impact is not exactly sufficient, and we really hope that there is more to come in the second half of the season.
The problem is, with Sunderland out of the cup competitions now, and every game meaning so much in the Championship, will Le Bris really be looking to take a gamble on youth from here on out?
Ogunsuyi may be better served going out on loan for the rest of the campaign and getting some much-needed first-team experience under his belt, rather than warming the Black Cats bench for the next five months.