Honeyman prefers team success to personal Sunderland milestone

Sunderland midfielder George Honeyman admitted he was left with mixed emotions after finally making his first start for the Black Cats.

Honeyman, who joined Sunderland’s Academy at the age of ten, has had to bide his time when it comes to starting opportunities.

He came off the bench twice in 2015 and 2016 and had been an unused substitute nine times this year before Tuesday night’s FA Cup third round replay with Burnley.

(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Manager David Moyes finally gave him the nod this week but he was unable to make it a winning occasion as goals from Sam Vokes and Andre Gray saw the Clarets through.

And the 22-year-old admitted the result had taken the gloss off the evening.

“When I come into the team I want to have a positive impact and obviously we got beat so it’s hard to take, no one likes getting beat,” said Honeyman afterwards.

“I did what I always do, I tried to get on the ball. I was a bit sloppy at times but obviously it was my first time.

“I just want to help the team out, we’re in a bit of a sticky situation at the minute, we haven’t got many players and I feel like I can help the team. Hopefully I’ve shown I can do it.

“I’ve had to be patient this season. I had to keep mentally ready. I wish it was a positive impact I made, but hopefully that will come.

“The manager said some nice words to be after the game so when he’s praising you that’s good but it’s at the back of my mind because we got beaten on the night.”