Tommy Watson: I dreamt of coming on to fire Sunderland back into Premier League

Teenager Tommy Watson has revealed he dreamt of coming off the bench to fire Sunderland into the Premier League.

The 19-year-old substitute, who was making his final appearance for the Black Cats at Wembley before joining Brighton, scored the decisive goal five minutes into stoppage-time to seal a 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United.

Asked afterwards if he had sensed an opportunity to establish himself as a hero as he came off the bench, Watson told Sky Sports: “A hundred per cent. I’ve been thinking of it for weeks. That story was written when I came off the bench and I couldn’t have pictured it any better, to be honest.

“I got closed down and I saw a little gap and I just used the defender and (put it) straight in the bottom corner.”

Watson’s strike, which came after Eliezer Mayenda had cancelled out Tyrese Campbell’s first-half opener with 14 minutes remaining, sent the Sunderland faithful into raptures as the club’s eight-year exile from the top flight drew to a close in dramatic fashion.

He said: “I think my celebration said it all. I can’t really put it into words, to be honest. Just look around, it’s unbelievable.”

Asked about his impending departure, Watson added: “We’ll see each other in the Premier League next year in the big time.”

For defender Luke O’Nien, it proved a bitter-sweet day as he lasted just eight minutes after dislocating a shoulder.

Interviewed on the pitch afterwards with his right arm in a sling, he said: “I don’t know why you guys are interviewing me, although it’s probably my best game in a Sunderland top since I joined the club.

“Do you know what? I’m so proud of these boys, I’m so proud. I can’t really believe what I’ve just seen. I’m just unbelievably proud.”

O’Nien is a veteran of the