Sunderland winger Tommy Watson admitted that both his and his family’s “dreams have come true” after the academy graduate netted his first senior goals for the club.

The 18-year-old scored both goals to give the Black Cats a 2-1 victory over Stoke City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The youngster expressed his delight following his match-winning performance, saying: “It was the perfect day for me, that is what me and my family have worked for over the years, and dreams have come true today,” Watson told his club’s website.

Watson’s first goal came in the seventh minute, with the youngster finding an immediate equaliser following Lewis Koumas’ sixth-minute opener. The winger then secured the Black Cats all three points with the winning goal four minutes from time.

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Reflecting on his two strikes, Watson said: “I’ve made a run from quite deep and put my laces through it and found the bottom corner, which was some feeling. The first goal was more of a shock. I think the full stadium was a bit shocked after they had just scored, but the second was exactly what I’d envisaged or imagined in my mind.”

The strikes earned Sunderland their first win in seven matches, with the victory leaving them fourth in the Championship table, on 36 points from 19 matches played. The Black Cats host Bristol City next up tomorrow evening at the Stadium of Light in a 7.45pm kick-off, before travelling to take on Swansea City away from home this weekend, and Watson is looking for his side to back up Saturday’s win.

“I think it was a well-needed three points. I think it was deserved, even though the conditions were tough, but definitely deserved,” the winger said. “We’re hungry for two more wins this week, to get as far up that table as possible come the end of the week.”

Watson has made a breakthrough into the first team this season, with the 18-year-old having made ten appearances so far this term. The youngster is delighted to have the opportunity to play alongside his teammates, as well as learn from head coach Regis Le Bris.

"I needed to be patient, and I feel like I’m taking my chances now and enjoying the trust that the manager and the coaching staff put into us,” Watson said. “He’s a top manager technically, really good and exactly what I need here. This is my breakthrough season, and I think I’m so blessed and lucky with this group of lads. The personalities just suit. I think the squad is perfect to push on for promotion this year.”