Boost for Jack Ross as striker pledges 100% commitment to Sunderland

The 19-year-old striker is heading into the final year of his contract and, with a new deal on the table, has given the strongest indication yet he wants to stay.

Maja is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract, but Sunderland hope he will sign a new deal.

The forward broke into the Sunderland first team last season and he is looking to make his mark on new manager Jack Ross ahead of the League One campaign.

But by his own admission he needs to improve his performances following Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat to Darlington and the 1-1 draw with Hartlepool United.

Maja said: “I think this is one of the biggest seasons of my career because this is basically a starting point, I think.

“If I can stay in the team, stay fit, and start firing away it will be massive for me.”

When asked about his commitment to the cause, Maja added: “One hundred per cent this is where I want to be right now. I want to play football here, it’s the right option.

“As long as I keep working hard and pushing myself, I can do that.

“We’ve had a few hard years and difficult times but if we can come out the other side of it positive and with good energy, I think it will be great for the history of the club.”

Sunderland are looking to bring in at least two new strikers before the transfer window closes, following Joel Asoro’s £2million move to Swansea City.

Ross is currently relying on academy products Maja and Andrew Nelson.

The Black Cats are hopeful of landing Charlie Wyke from Bradford City, while Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp is also on the club’s radar.

Ahead of tonight’s third pre-season friendly away at Grimsby Town (KO 7.30pm), Maja is looking to put down a marker before the cavalry arrives.

“I want to impress the manager and show what I can do, but of course he wants to have good performances in the team,” added Maja.

“If that means I’m not in the team that’s his choice but hopefully I’m in the team at the start of the season and I can show what I can do.”

There is, though, room for improvement, with Maja yet to get off the mark this pre-season.

When asked about his early form, Maja said: “I don’t think I’ve performed to the best of my ability but I think fitness-wise I’ve got the most out of it and that’s the main thing.

“Hopefully, in the next couple of games I can start scoring a few goals.

“I’m a very harsh critic of myself and I’ve had chances to score which I haven’t taken. That happens in football but I have to stay confident.

“I’ve got to get back onto the training field and keep working hard.

“We have to keep working hard in training and keep showing what we can do. Hopefully that gives us the confidence to perform during the season.”

Sunderland came from a goal behind against Pools at Victoria Park on Saturday, promising forward Benji Kimpioka, 18, sparing Sunderland’s blushes with the equaliser in added-time.

The club’s younger players have been handed a chance to impress in pre-season with 16-year-old Bali Mumba also involved.

Maja is one of several examples of players making the leap from academy to first team.

He added: “Bali’s been more involved with us in training, whereas Saturday was Benji’s first game for us and he scored so that should give him confidence to show what he can do even more.

“As long as they both keep working hard I think they’ve got a chance to be in the team as well.”