SUNDERLAND’S latest rising attacking talent Benjamin Kimpioka is not about to demand greater first team opportunities just because he capped his full debut with a goal.

The 18-year-old found the net for the first time at senior level in the Checkatrade Trophy victory over Carlisle last week before heading off on international duty with Sweden’s young guns.

Kimpioka is rated highly at the Stadium of Light, and has been ever since joining in 2016 when Sunderland’s scouts were paying strong interest to Scandinavia having already taken to Joel Asoro and Oscar Krusnell to Wearside.

Both Asoro, to Swansea, and Krusnell, to Hammarby, have since left, but Kimpioka has found himself thrust into Jack Ross’ squad more than he might have imagined this season because of injuries.

Ross might be the first manager to have really given him a chance, including a League One run out, but predecessor Chris Coleman also included him in first team sessions in training after being impressed with his style.

After his outing against Carlisle, Kimpioka then headed to Sweden where he played well in a double header against Romania – one win and one defeat - and scored in the second game on Sunday.

The versatile teenage striker said: “Many often have high hopes about themselves and their club. I like to focus more on the moment. What I can do now to get new chances. I can always work harder than my teammate does.

“Always have your feet on the ground and not float away on clouds just because you’ve done well in a few games. It’s not enough, you have to be consistent to earn your place.

“Many want to live for football and it is clear that I want it too. But I focus on working hard and always being the best I can be. Then we’ll see where it takes me.

“It’s easy to say that you want to live for football, but it’s important to do that too. I do not want to betray myself but always try to be my best I’ll see where God takes me. I’m grateful about where I am now.

“It was fun to get my debut. I’m grateful for the confidence I get from the coach. Scoring a goal in the cup was a big bonus and something that motivates me to work even harder to get more chances.”

Having signed for Sunderland two years ago, Kimpioka has experienced the lows of back to back relegations even though he was not part of the first team squad.

He still got to feel how the fans and those around him suffered, so is keen to help bring brighter times back after a positive start to the campaign.

Kimpioka told the Swedish FA website: “It did not affect us youth players so much. Then I played in the under-18 team and we were still in our Premier League. But the aura around the club was not the same.

“It was a tough period where many were kicked. The fans were not happy that the club went down two years in a row, but now there is a big change going on and we have a great chance to come back.

“The goal is to get up. Sunderland has always been a big club and played in the highest leagues in England. We are trying to get back there. First to the Championship and then to the Premier League. It’s a tough task, but we’re ready for it.”

Kimpioka will hope to be involved when Sunderland head to Shrewsbury Town in League One this Saturday, as Ross’ side look to close the four point gap to second place Peterborough United.

He said: “It’s a big difference to get to work out and play first team football with professional players who live with football full time. It’s also a lot more pressure, which I love to play with.

“It’s a dream to do it at this age. I’m grateful for it while I want more. That motivates me.

“It’s a difference to play an under-23 match with maybe 1000 people compared to playing with the first team and it’s 30,000 who are watching and judging you. The demands are much higher from your teammates as well. I like it because then you get the best of yourself all the time.”

Sunderland are hoping Lynden Gooch and Ethan Robson will be fit for the trip to Shrewsbury and are expected to train this week to prove their fitness.