MASON Burstow finally got the reward for his training ground efforts when his long wait for a Sunderland goal came to an end on Saturday.
It's been a difficult season so far for the Chelsea loanee, who, after a run in the side at the start of the campaign, has struggled to nail down a place in the Sunderland team and hadn't scored a single goal until he finally broke his duck in the win over Stoke City.
But his struggles certainly weren't through a lack of trying and Michael Beale has been hugely impressed by Burstow's training ground dedication since his arrival as head coach.
Earlier this month, Beale moved to end any Burstow uncertainty and confirmed the 20-year-old would be staying at Sunderland this month rather than returning to Chelsea - despite the fact he hadn't started a game since the head coach's arrival prior to Stoke's visit.
Now, after the goal that set Sunderland on their way to their crucial win over the Potters, Beale - who is still in the market to sign a striker before Thursday's transfer deadline - hopes Burstow can kick on.
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He said: "I'm delighted for Mason, he's a boy I've only known for a month but it's been difficult for him.
"It's his first big loan if you like and the expectation... although he played in a team that was winning games, as a striker he's obviously felt the weight of not winning games.
"He's worked every day on his finishing after training, he's been desperate for an opportunity and his all-round work ethic was fantastic.
"Mason is a lovely boy and he's all-in here. It's been a really difficult time for him, we have a way of working where we split the group up amongst the staff and Michael Proctor spends a lot of time with him.
"Every single day Mason stays out there, wind, rain or whatever, working on his finishing. So he deserved that opportunity.
"His all-round work rate is obvious, and it's the same with Rusyn, you see how much they work for the team. I'm delighted for Mason and let's hope it's a chance for him now to really kick on."
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