DUNCAN WATMORE will be pushing for a first-team role at Sunderland next season after he was crowned the Barclays Under-21 Player of the Season for the current campaign.

Watmore claimed the award after scoring an impressive 11 goals in 18 games for Sunderland’s development side, and beat off competition from players from Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Southampton to cement his status as one of the most exciting young players in the country.

The 21-year-old forward, who scored on Thursday night as England Under-20s kicked off their Toulon Tournament campaign with a 3-3 draw with Morocco, was on the fringe of Sunderland’s first-team picture this season, and will hope to increase his involvement with the senior side next term.

“It (the award) was a nice bonus for the hard work I’ve put in throughout the season, but the team have also helped me massively,” said Watmore. “It is a proud achievement and a nice accolade to receive because I feel like I’m playing the best football of my life.

Watmore joined Sunderland from non-league Altrincham two years ago, with his only senior appearance coming in an FA Cup win over Carlisle United in January 2014.

He was named in the first-team squad for this season’s matches with Manchester United and West Ham, and won the Under-21 award despite missing three months of the season with a broken leg.

“He is a special player and also a fantastic person,” said Sunderland Under-21 coach Robbie Stockdale. “He’s likeable, approachable and the really exciting thing is that he still has some way to go.

“He plays with no fear and has pace in abundance. There are things to work on and he understands that, so hopefully he will kick on next year like a number of our other players.

“You also have to remember that this season he suffered a broken leg and is studying for a degree alongside his football, but that only underlines the level of person and that is one of his biggest qualities.”