Following an impressive comeback from injury, Tommy Watson may have a chance to play for Sunderland, according to head coach Mike Dodds.

Interim Tommy Watson impressed during his injury comeback, and Sunderland head coach Mike Dodds acknowledges that Watson might get a chance to play in the starting lineup.

Following his impressive performance in the FA Youth Cup earlier this season, the 18-year-old earned his first professional deal earlier this season, committing to Wearside until the summer of 2026.

He had a stellar 2022–2023 season, scoring 16 goals and dishing up 16 assists in the Under-18 Premier League and Premier League 2. He also made his senior debut in the Sky Bet Championship against Huddersfield Town, coming on as a second-half substitute for Patrick Roberts.

The Easington-born winger sustained an injury during the international break that has prevented him from playing for the past two months, but he has improved throughout that time and made an impression against Leicester City and Newcastle United.

“Tommy trained with us a couple of times over the international break and has done really, really well,” Dodds stated.

I personally spoke with him about his fit, the things I think he excels at, and the areas I think he can still work on.

“He is quite clear about that. He’s someone we will undoubtedly consider at some point; it probably won’t be this weekend, but after that we’ll look at the possibility of furthering our integration into the group.”

Watson, like fellow academy product Chris Rigg, has garnered a lot of praise for his performances for Sunderland’s young teams. He bears a strong resemblance to Jack Clarke in terms of his ability to carry the ball and his eye for goal. Due to his excellent play with the England Under-17s the previous season, he was recognized internationally and was awarded five caps for the Young Lions.