Patrick Roberts has emphasised the opportunity Sunderland have to return to Championship football a week on Saturday, as the Lads prepare to visit Wembley for the Sky Bet League One Play-Off final.
His 93rd-minute goal secured a 2-1 aggregate win against Sheffield Wednesday and sealed a place under the arch for Alex Neil’s men, where they will meet Wycombe Wanderers for the last remaining promotion spot.
“It felt quite surreal after the semi-final,” Roberts recalled.
“The aim when I came in was obviously to push towards promotion and now we have a great chance to do that; it’s been the aim for the boys over the past few years.
“We showed our resilience to overcome Sheffield Wednesday, and the gaffer helped steer us through at what was a tough place to go.”
Encouraging performances from Roberts in both legs of the semi-final have further endeared him to the Wearside support since his January switch from Manchester City, and the winger is fully appreciative of the backing as the Lads make one last push.
“The goal felt amazing for me, for the team and for the fans who have travelled and been incredible for us.
“It’s credit to the supporters how they’ve stuck by the club and now they have what will hopefully be a great day at Wembley to look forward to.
“They’ll be there in their thousands and that’s all we can ask for – we have to go out there and do the job for them.”