The 22-year-old stunned Arsenal with a spectacular and emotional goal last weekend – his first in more than a year – to take the Black Cats so close to victory.

An injury-time Cesc Fabregas leveller denied Sunderland fan Leadbitter the satisfaction of having earned a special win, but it's the desire of Fence Houses' finest that has left its mark on the experienced Yorke.

The 36-year-old said: "I've got a lot of time for Grant. He's a great lad – a local boy wanting to do well for Sunderland Football Club.
"No-one trains better than Grant.

"He's shown great potential in games and in training with all of the new signings.

"The great thing is that he wants to learn and that's vital for a young player. You see some who think they're the finished article at 19 or 20, but Grant works hard on his game and takes in all he can from the people around him.

"He's a great example for any kid wanting to make it. He's a young boy learning his trade and I'm sure in time he'll get to where he wants to be, which is playing regularly for this club in the Premier League."

Leadbitter's appetite is all the more remarkable given the devastating personal blow suffered by him and his family shortly after the end of last season with the death of his father Brian, aged 50.

After netting against the Gunners, the England Under-21 midfielder ran to the pitchside spot where his father's ashes are buried.

Yorke said: "That goal meant a lot to Grant personally, let alone to Sunderland Football Club. I am pleased for Grant that he got the goal – a great goal.

"It was a bit of a disappointment that we did not hold on for all three points."

Sunderland are now planning ahead for Saturday's trip to Fulham in the Premier League.

Whether Yorke features at Craven Cottage is open to question. The veteran, who is being used sparingly by boss Roy Keane, played the full 90 minutes in Trinidad and Tobago's goalless draw away to Guatemala on Saturday.

T&T play host to USA on Wednesday and it remains to be seen how much part Yorke will play in that game.