‘Dream come true – ‘Sunderland youngster reacts to first-team call-up under Mike Dodds

Tom Lavery is living the dream of many a Sunderland fan

His senior squad call-up last weekend was a “dream come true” for him.

The 18-year-old alumnus of Academy of Light was included in the Black Cats

matchday squad for their Championship match against Swansea City on Saturday.

He watched from the bench as his teammates lost 2-1.

Lavery stated on Sunderland’s website: “When I found out, it was a dream come true.” Although the outcome wasn’t what

we had hoped for, I had the best experience overall. It was an amazing

experience to stand on the field during halftime and watch the crowd applaud.

I’m hoping to have more of these in the future and am looking forward to it.

Lavery, who joined at the age of nine, continued, “Last Friday morning I was training with the U21s and then Doddsy

put me in the small-sided game for the first team and I thought that would be

just to make up the numbers and stuff like that.”

“He claimed he was impressed with me this season and wanted to start me on the bench for the first team when he

pulled me over. My first thought was that I was shocked. I believe I said, “You’re

joking,” but in all honesty, I was overjoyed.

“I addressed my dad directly. I believe he also believed that I was kidding. My efforts have paid off, as I’ve been able to

since I was nine years old. It’s a dream come true to someday be on the first

team bench and compete in every age group.

“My grandfather would always take me to football games.” I believe he was happier than I was when he heard it. The

fact that everything worked well made him quite delighted.

“Having the opportunity to play with the U21s and then seizing the opportunity to

perform with the U18s has been such a pleasure this season.” Obviously, I’ve

returned to the U21 team, where I’m playing well and making a name for

myself. One of the best seasons of my life has been this one. I wish to spend more

time with it. to reclaim the opportunity to sit on the bench, and should I want to

take that chance and establish my reputation as well.

KVIBEZSPORT