SUNDERLAND'S newest star Andy Welsh has revealed how a combination of patience and hard work have been key to the instant impact he's made since his Black Cats debut just a week ago.

The 21-year-old winger admitted to feeling frustrated in the weeks leading up to his Sunderland bow at Preston on New Year's Day, and then his first start in red and white in the FA Cup tie on Saturday at home to Crystal Palace.

An eye-catching 25 minute cameo at Deepdale was followed by a man-of-the-match performance at home to Premier League Palace. He scored one and was instrumental in the move that led to the penalty which clinched the Wearsider's place in the last 32.

The youngster has been forced to bide his time since moving from Stockport in November and, despite always being involved in the first-team picture, sitting out each game was beginning to take its toll.

"I must admit for the few games before I made my debut (at Preston) I had been getting frustrated sitting on the sidelines," said the £15,000 signing.

"For the first couple of weeks you can't expect to be involved but I still travelled so it was always a step up, and each week I've been looking to make that next step up.

"Travel with the team, get on the bench and hopefully make the side but obviously it didn't all happen in a short space of time.

"You've got to bide your time be patient and that's what I've done.

"I've gone in and worked hard and I just carried on working hard and waited for my chance."

His chance arrived on New Year's Day and his performance at Deepdale persuaded manager Mick McCarthy to give him his first start at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

And Welsh's goal and assist proved he has no intention of letting this opportunity pass him by.

"I'm grateful that I got my debut out of the way at Preston and it helped that I'd played at Deepdale before for Stockport," he said.

"I only found out for definite on Saturday that I would be playing (against Palace).

"But there was a time in the second half when I looked around me and thought I must be dreaming because everything was going so well for me.

"I know I am capable of playing at this level but when everything comes to fruition then you think 'this is what dreams are made of'."

Welsh is aware that despite the fourth round draw seeing Sunderland take on another Premiership side in the shape of Everton, the real aim is to ensure they are playing Premier league sides every week next season.

Their recent stutter in the league has seen them pick up just four points in four games, but the Mancunian believes promotion is still firmly in their own hands.

He said: "We don't worry about anyone else we worry about ourselves. We know if we do the business then our position in the table will speak for itself.

"But looking at the support Sunderland have it's Premier League. I'm really looking forward to playing for the club at the highest level, hopefully, for years to come."

Welsh is keen to settle in the region and prove he has what it takes to make the step up from League One all the way to the Premier League.

He said: "It's a massive step up for me but it's important that when you get your chance you take it.

"My girlfriend has moved up with me and I've settled in well and I'm really enjoying it up here."

* Norwich last night completed the signing of Crewe striker Dean Ashton for a club record £3m. The England Under-21 forward signed a three-and-a-half year deal - with a further one-year option - at Carrow Road after completing the formality of a medical.

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