Antoine Semenyo admits the leap from League Two to One has been a struggle for him, but says he has loved his time at Sunderland so far.
Although the young forward arrived on loan from Championship side Bristol City, it was last season at fourth-tier Newport where Semenyo played the majority of his senior football to date.
Having arrived at Sunderland in January, the forward had struggled for game time before the season was ground to a temporary halt.
But he’s still enjoyed life on Wearside so far, and hopes he can still yet make a positive impression while at the club.
He told the club’s matchday programme: “I am loving it here. I am enjoying it and my team-mates have made me feel comfortable here.
“I think the first thing I noticed when I got here was the quality difference between League One and League Two. I need to be sharper and I know I need to be doing much more off the ball and working much harder in training to get into the starting XI.
“It’s a big adjustment for me but I know I just need to play my natural game and I will start getting positive results.
“Last season I learned a lot from playing regular senior football and I think that experience will help me throughout the final games of the season.
“I know that my responsibility has been more about impacting the game from the bench, but I am really trying my best to give the manager a selection headache.
“The lads have been playing well and winning games so it’s understandable that the manager hasn’t wanted to tinker too much. He wants me to come on and affect the game with my energy - and I’m more than happy to contribute in any way I can.”
It might have only been two months, but Semenyo is also very happy with his development since arriving on Wearside.
He says he’s learning a lot from Phil Parkinson and the coaching team, with the experienced manager helping him learn new traits.
“On the pitch, there are little things that the coaches have done to help me improve my game already,” he said.
“Traditionally I am used to getting in behind the full-backs, but now I am learning to come to the ball so I can get more involved. The gaffer wants me to express myself more when I get the ball, which is good for me.
“The coaches have been fantastic with me since I came to the club. They are always talking to me and offering guidance on where I can improve. I have really enjoyed my time with them, and I think I am coming along nicely under their guidance.
“Chris Maguire and Lynden Gooch have been great with me and are always giving me helpful tips and advice. They are helping me a lot and giving me a greater understanding of my position.”
