UP-AND-COMING winger Thomas Butler almost made a shock debut for Sunderland against Leeds United.

The 20-year-old Irishman was put on red alert because of worries over the fitness of Republic of Ireland internationals Kevin Kilbane and Jason McAteer after last week's World Cup play-off game in Iran, but eventually he was named as substitute before the Wearsiders' storming 2-0 victory.

Butler, who played eight games on loan at Darlington last season, was thrilled to think he might make his first Premiership start against the Championship contenders and now he is itching to get his first team chance.

Butler said: "The gaffer rang me the day before the game and said he was thinking about putting me in to start because Kevin Kilbane and Jason McAteer were both doubtful.

"I was very shocked but happy and when he asked me how I felt about it I told him it was fine. He just wanted to get my mind on the game.

"The next day he told me Jason was okay so I would be on the bench and I was quite happy with that because I knew he had the confidence in me to start and I was very pleased."

Butler, who has made five appearances as substitute over the last two seasons, admitted: "When you are not often on the bench for a first team game it can be disappointing but I was pleased they have noticed that I have been playing well and that was a step in the right direction.

"I was dying to get on against Leeds - I was doing some stretches in front of the gaffer but we were winning 2-0 and there was no real need to make any attacking substitutions.

"It was a boost to be on the bench on Sunday and it lets you know you are being thought of - you can be in the reserves all time and playing well but often nothing happens."

He added: "I have been playing well this season but it is quite hard because sometimes you only have a game every two weeks and it can be difficult to keep your fitness going without match practice.

"But the times I have come in I have tried my hardest just to keep fit and I have been told I am playing quite well."

Butler is dying to win a place in Sunderland's starting line-up, but he knows competition is so fierce he will have to bide his time a little longer.

"It is all about being patient and being ready to take the chance when it comes," said Butler.

"You really need three or four games in the first team and you have just got to wait for that opening to come along - hopefully it will just be a matter of time."

Kilbane, who was ruled out of the Leeds game with an ankle injury, is hoping to be fit in time to be involved in Sunday's formidable Premiership test against leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

He said: "I'm keeping my fingers crossed I will be ready for Sunday, but it is going to be a close thing.

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