LYNDEN Gooch says Sunderland talented crop of youngsters need to learn quickly to help get the Black Cats where they want to be - in the Premier League.

Considering he's only 27, Gooch admits it's "crazy" to be one of the senior and experienced pros in the dressing room.

He tries to use his experience to help and support the many youngster in Tony Mowbray's squad and says he's been hugely impressed with the manner in which they've adapted to Championship life this season.

But such is the stature of Sunderland as a club, Gooch admits the youngsters don't really have any choice but to learn on the job very quickly.

Having such a young squad means there'll inevitably be moments of naivety on the pitch such as Pierre Ekwah's 98th minute challenge that gifted Hull City an equaliser on Friday night.

"We have a really young side, lads are learning a lot at the minute, but you have to learn quickly especially the size of this club," said Gooch.

"Ultimately the club is going to expect to compete at the top level. That’s what the club wants and as a senior player that’s what I want as well. You want to compete at the top and try and get back to the Premier League.

"Overall it’s been a brilliant season and young players have done really, really well so we just need to keep going and finish strong."

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Gooch has made more than 200 appearances for Sunderland but still has the best years of his career ahead of him - though he admits to being aged by the youthful Stadium of Light dressing room.

"It is crazy. I’m 27 and feel like I’m 37 with all the young lads," he laughed.

"It is a bit crazy but I’m enjoying it. I’ve played a lot of football so it’s nice to be an experienced player.

"I think you do pass on advice when you get older and help the players around you.

"We have a really young side and there is a lot of expectation at the football club so it’s not always easy. I’ve been through that myself over the years. It’s good to help the younger players in that respect."

Gooch has had a stop-start season due to injury, missing a bulk of the first half of the campaign and only playing once between Boxing Day and mid-March. But since returning, he's quickly established himself back in Mowbray's injury-hit side.

Gooch said: "I feel good. Obviously I’ve had a couple of injuries but every time I come back I feel fitter and better so hopefully I can continue playing a lot more for the club."