Sunderland 22-year-old Josh Hawkes continued his hot form by scoring in the U23s 3-2 defeat to West Bromwich Albion yesterday, which has caught the attention of many Black Cats fans.

The U23s recent winning run was brought to an end by Albion, who came from behind in the second half at the Academy of Light.

A number of familiar faces featured for the Black Cats, with goalkeeper Anthony Patterson making a penalty save, Chris Maguire providing an assist, Dan Neil captaining the side, and Ollie Younger partnering Patrick Almond at centre-back.

However, it was Hawkes that drew many of the plaudits as the former Hartlepool United forward continued his impressive 2020/21 campaign.

The 22-year-old converted Maguire's cross to give Sunderland the lead inside the first half-hour, netting his ninth goal in 16 games this term – a period that has also seen him add four assists.

Hawkes joined the North East club from Hartlepool in the summer after impressing for the National League side.

The attacker made his senior debut in the EFL Trophy earlier this season, playing all 90 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to Fleetwood Town.

It seems Sunderland fans are excited about the young forward, with some even taking to Twitter to call for Lee Johnson to give him a chance.

Read their reaction here: