Maja desperate to impress Moyes at Sunderland

Sunderland youngster Josh Maja is determined to catch the eye of manager David Moyes and earn a regular starting spot in the first team.

The 17-year-old has struck twice in his last two games, finding the back of net in the Checkatrade Trophy against Notts County and a match-winning goal against Blackburn Rovers for the under-23s.

And just a few months after making his first-team debut in the Black Cats’ EFL Cup victory over QPR in September, Maja is hoping he can continue his development in the Premier League.

“Hopefully my performances in the under-23s can push me to get a chance in the first-team,” he said.

(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

“My goals in recent weeks have been pleasing but I know there is still room for improvement. I need to keep scoring and working hard, that’s all I can do.

“I’m very happy because in training I have been working very hard on my finishing and it’s great to see that it’s paying off in games.

“It’s great to see the rewards in training. I want to contribute to the team and it gives you great confidence seeing the hard work you’ve put in is paying off.

“It was great to get my chance at QPR but I know there is still plenty of hard work to do.”