IN the aftermath of Sunderland’s promotion back to the Championship, the club’s longest serving player Lynden Gooch revealed his future remains up in the air and that talks are scheduled for Tuesday where he’s set to discover his fate.

The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes of the Black Cats 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final where they sealed promotion at Wembley.

Gooch made his debut for the club back in 2016 when they were playing Premier League football and has clocked up 212 appearances. However, his contract comes to an end this summer and he couldn’t rule out a possible summer exit but was happy to admit that he would be happy if he went out of the Stadium of Light on a high.

Gooch said: “I don’t know where I’m going to be next season so we’re going to have to wait and see. If this is my last game for Sunderland then there is not a better way to go out.

“I’ve got a meeting with him (Alex Neil) on Tuesday and we’ll see what happens. It is what it is. I’ve give everything for the club in my ten years as a pro. We’ll see what happens.

“If it’s my last game then happy days, I can go out on a high. If not, then I’ll continue to represent the club as best I can."

Gooch has been a reliable hard working player for the Black Cats over the years and has come through the academy into the first-team. With the vast amount of his game time being played during the club downward slide the football pyramid, it was a moment to savour for him at Wembley yesterday.

The versatile American continued: “I’ve had some tough moments here and this is the best day for sure.

“This is my fourth time here with Sunderland playing here and it is a difficult occasion. I was trying to help the young lads as best I can. It’s not easy, it’s Wembley.

“It’s amazing being on the winning side. I know what it’s like being on the losing side. It’s an amazing feeling for sure.”

He’s been a trusted player under Alex Neil, whose future also remains uncertain, since he took over and was used as a full-back in the final at Wembley.

Asked whether he has finally found his position with Sunderland, Gooch responded: “We’ll see. It might be my position. I’ve always said for years I’ll play anywhere for the club. It’s my club and it’s the club I love. We’ll see what happens.

“I played all over the place last season as well and we came up short. The gaffer came in and he said our main aim is to get promoted. I need you to do a job.

“Fair enough, I’ll do anything for this club. The people that know me best know that I will do that.”