Sunderland: Regis Le Bris’ message for Crystal Palace, West Ham target Tommy Watson | OneFootball

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris outlines how Black Cats starlet Tommy Watson can earn more game time

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has outlined what youngster Tommy Watson needs to do in order to enjoy game time throughout the season.

Beginning with a five-minute outing during a 2-1 defeat at Watford back in September, the 18-year-old made four cameo appearances in the Championship this term, before being named in the Black Cats' starting 11 that took on Preston North End prior to the international break, and remained on the pitch until just after the hour mark.

Watson's first full 90-minute appearance in the second tier this campaign arrived on Saturday, when the Black Cats drew 1-1 at Millwall, as the Lions scored a last-gasp equaliser.

According to TBR Football, Premier League trio Tottenham, West Ham and Crystal Palace are all tracking the wideman's progress, but as he is just breaking into Le Bris' first team, his focus will likely remain on the Stadium of Light for now.

Le Bris outlines how Watson can earn regular playing time

Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast host Simeon Gholam asked the Black Cats boss: "Do you feel like he (Watson) is someone who will be more and more involved with the first team, and starting more games as the season goes on?"

Le Bris replied: "I'm confident, and I trust Tommy.

"But it's still difficult to anticipate the future.

"His main concern, and my main concern, is to be focused on his improvement, the improvement of the team, his connection with the team, and if he's connected with his potential, I think he will help us for sure."

With this message of focusing on his improvement and potential from his manager in mind, Watson should be convinced that the Stadium of Light is the best place to remain for now, amid Premier League interest.

After making a full-90 minute appearance at Millwall last weekend, it should be evident to the wideman that his current club are capable of handing him adequate game time, something which he would undoubtedly find harder to come by if he moved to a top-flight club.

Furthermore, as the Black Cats continue their promotion push with fixture congestion on the horizon, Le Bris is likely to be reliant upon his squad depth, which is good news for young talents such as Watson.

The best could be yet to come for Watson

Watson will be pleased that he has managed six appearances, and two starts, in the Championship this campaign ahead of the Black Cats' clash with West Brom on Tuesday night.

However, he has not yet produced a goal contribution in the second tier, which is something the teenager will want to rectify sooner rather than later.

Furthermore, while plying his trade in Premier League 2 with the Black Cats academy this term, the winger has notched an impressive return of five goals and three assists in just five appearances.

This demonstrates that he has a lethal eye for goal, while if he can prove that in the Championship, then Le Bris will have unearthed yet another dangerous talent amid his side's quest for promotion.

Fellow starlets Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg have caught the eye time and time again for their exploits at the Stadium of Light this term, and Watson could be well on his way to joining them in doing that.