MASON Burstow admits his confidence took a hit during a difficult first half of the season at Sunderland but insists he never considered the prospect of his loan spell being cut short and returning to Chelsea this month.
And after finally breaking his Sunderland duck at the 14th time of asking in the Championship, the 20-year-old is now determined to kick on and play a major role in the second half of the campaign as the Black Cats look to secure a top six finish.
Burstow was seen as a major coup for Sunderland when he joined the club in August having featured for Chelsea in the early weeks of the season, but his time on Wearside hasn't gone to plan so far.
He was given a run in the side in September and October but failed to get off the mark and then didn't start a league game for more than three months. His lack of action and Sunderland's desire to sign a striker this month led to suggestions he'd return to Stamford Bridge this month.
But Michael Beale confirmed earlier in January that wouldn't be the case and insisted Burstow was part of his plans. That was a boost for the striker and after finally hitting the net in Saturday's win over Stoke, the young frontman opened up on the challenges in the first half of the season and his determination to make a success of his time at the Stadium of Light.
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Asked if his confidence had taken a hit, Burstow said: “Yes of course it has. I did not start the season how I wanted.
"Obviously I was looking to score a lot earlier. I just kept my head down, worked hard and knew eventually the goal would come, which it did so hopefully from now, it’s the same.
"There was a little bit (of self-doubt) throughout the season, but the staff and the team-mates have helped me keep my head held high. Today has been the weight off my shoulders which I needed and a relief.”
Burstow insists having his loan spell cut short this month never crossed his mind - and is now determined to use his first goal as a springboard.
"Ever since I came here I have been focused on Sunderland, working hard and this is the step for me," he said.
"The goal was a big weight off my shoulders. Hopefully, I do kick on from now and that goal is just one of many. We have 17 games left so I will do what I can. This is my club, my team (for these 17 games) and we just have to kick on together."
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