Morgan Feeney lifts the lid on his move to Sunderland, his dream debut and what comes next

Standards were consistently being maintained by newly-appointed captain Max Power, while midfield partner Grant Leadbitter was a similarly vocal presence.

But at the back, it was the youthful Morgan Feeney doing much of the talking.

He showed a maturity beyond his years as he barked out instructions to more senior teammates and kept the defensive unit in check, particularly when under some pressure in the early stages of the first-half.

That is nothing new, though.

"I've always been a talker on the pitch and I wanted to bring that here as well,” he told The Echo after the victory over Aston Villa.

"I was captain of the under-23s at Everton and that's always been a big part of my game - trying to lead, and trying to be noisy in a sense.

"I want to keep that in my game here and try and add something else for the team.”

The 21-year-old was handed a competitive debut at the heart of the Black Cats’ backline and put in an assured performance during the resounding 8-1 win.

It was the first real opportunity Sunderland fans have had to cast the eye over the summer signing after his move from Everton and, in the main, it was a positive early impression.

There was one momentary lapse in concentration that allowed the lively Indiana Vassilev through on goal, but Feeney’s reading of the game, pace and physicality saw him more than able to deal with what a young Villa side could offer.

It wasn’t just in his own box where Feeney made an impact, either. Three times he connected with Josh Scowen’s superb set-piece deliveries – the first drawing a save, the second yielding a goal of his own and the third providing an assist for Charlie Wyke.

And for a centre back, a goal and an assist on your debut is nothing to be sniffed at.

“Obviously I'm made up to contribute the way I did, and to get the result as well,” admitted Feeney.

"We showed a great attitude to the game and took it very seriously. We wanted to get a win and win comfortably, like we did.

"We've been training well and doing well in pre-season and tonight brought it all together in a good set-up for the season starting on Saturday.”

His memorable debut performances tops-off what has been a whirlwind summer for Feeney.

Released by boyhood club Everton in the summer, the centre back was left in the same position as thousands of other professionals this summer – sat by the phone, waiting for it to ring.

Thankfully for Feeeny, it did eventually ring.

"Steve Parkin rang me and said they were looking for a centre back and asked if I wanted to come and train for a little bit.

"They had seen me play various games and things and asked if I wanted to train and see how I got on - and obviously I jumped at the chance to come to a club like this.

"I came in and trained the best I could, and luckily for me I must have done something right because they decided they wanted to sign me. I was very lucky in that sense.”

For many young players fresh out of a Premier League academy, entering a first-team dressing room – not least one of the stature of Sunderland’s – could be a daunting experience.

But such was Feeney’s reputation on Merseyside, the centre back has regularly trained with the Toffees’ first-team squad throughout his formative years.

That, coupled with the spirit being cultivated within the Academy of Light, made settling into a new club a ‘very easy’ experience for Feeney.

And indeed, his focus has already shifted to working alongside his more experienced defensive counterparts – in a bid to garner some of their vast experience.

"Everyone has made me feel very welcome which is always a good thing when you're coming to a new club and new city. It's a good group of lads in the changing room and they've made me feel welcome from the start.

"In the short time I've been here I've learnt so much already.

"The way they speak to you, the way they want to help you, it's brilliant. You'd be a fool not to listen to them.

"They've given me little bits of advice here and there already which I've tried to take on board and put into my own game.”

The big question now is whether Feeney can stake a claim for a first-team position.

With the experience of Jordan Willis, Tom Flanagan, Bailey Wright and now Arbenit Xhemajli ahead of him in the pecking order, it looks a difficult ask.

But given the hectic nature of League One, opportunities will undoubtedly come to the Liverpudlian in some guise.

And he’s only too aware of the importance of taking them.

"I've come to just do my best in training and show the manager and his staff what I can do.

"Hopefully I can just keep doing that and try and perform in games and get contribute to a few games through the season.

"The games come thick and fast in this league with the cup and league games, so I think it's virtually impossible for everyone to play every single game in a season.

"I think there will be opportunities for me if I keep training well and doing things right. Hopefully when those opportunities come, I'll be there to take them.”

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