Sunderland midfielder Lynden Gooch has underlined his dedication to the team, but admits relegation would be a disaster for the Black Cats.

American-born midfielder Gooch has been drawing praise from his manager recently after earning back his first team spot, but with the side eight points adrift of safety, Gooch admits that relegation is a distinct possibility.

“It’s massively important to stay out of League One," he told the Sunderland Echo.

"It almost feels like I’m from here, I’ve been here for so long, so I’ll give everything I can because it would be devastating to go down. It means so much to everyone around the club. You look at the facilities and it is a Premier League club, let alone a Championship club."

Gooch continued to press home his desire to give everything for the cause, even if it does appear to be a lost one.

“Listen, it is a massive club, no matter what people will want to play here. If you don’t, there’s something wrong with you. The fans are amazing, they just want to you to give everything for the shirt. That’s what I’ll continue to do. It is disappointing, even when I’m not playing I’m desperate for the team to do well, I’ve been here so long I am a fan now."

California-born Gooch has been with Sunderland since the age of ten, signing full time for the U16 side before slowly making his way through the different levels. He broke through in the Premier League last season and has managed 25 outings this campaign.

The Verdict

Big club or not, you're going to be visiting Southend next season. That is the harsh reality facing the young midfielder. There's positives of course, the next level down should be one in which he thrives and gains confidence to kick on with his career, he's certainly making all the right noises about staying put too which will delight fans.