Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn accepts he may have to wait for his chance to shine at the club.
Black Cats youngster prepared to be patient
Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn accepts he may have to wait for his chance to shine at the Premier League club.
The 20-year-old, a Black Cats academy product, spent last season on loan helping Leicester reach the Championship play-off semi-finals.
After making his return to the Stadium of Light for the new season, Waghorn is set to play a role in Tuesday's Carling Cup encounter against Colchester.
However, Steve Bruce is not expected to award him a starting berth, with the manager likely to rely on his more experienced players to earn the club their first win of the campaign.
But South Shields-born Waghorn, who has made two appearances off the bench for Bruce's side so far this term, is not discouraged by having to establish himself all over again.
"I didn't expect to come back here and walk straight into the first team but I've had my taste of first-team football and I obviously enjoyed it," Waghorn told the
Sunderland Echo.
"I've come back to the Premier League and I know that it's going to be harder to get games.
"The gaffer says I'm in his plans this season and that's good enough for me.
Important
"Any time I get on the pitch is going to be important and I'm willing to work hard and be ready whenever the gaffer needs me.
"Once you've had the chance to play in front of the big crowds you get a bit of a taste for it and just want more."
Waghorn has warned his side not to be complacent when they host Colchester on Tuesday, despite the League One side travelling to the North East as the firm underdogs.
"We don't want to be one of the upsets of the round and we have to go about the game properly," he added.
"Colchester won't have any pressure on them because everyone will say we should win, and we should. But someone always slips up and we don't want it to be us."
