New signing says he 'only wanted Sunderland' despite rival Championship interest
Deadline day arrival Rhys Walsh says ‘he only wanted to go to Sunderland’ after revealing Championship rivals Stoke were also keen.
Walsh, 17, joined the Black Cats this month from Glentoran for an undisclosed fee to boost an already strong Northern Irish influence on Wearside.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, he admitted he was not necessarily expecting it to develop so quickly, but it was definitely the move he wanted.
“I went to Sunderland last summer on trial and I really enjoyed it,” Walsh said. “We kept in touch and I knew I wanted to join the club.
“On deadline day I was able to get a flight over and I signed for them.
“I was on trial at Stoke City but I always had Sunderland in my mind. Other clubs showed interest but I only wanted to go to one club and they were keen on me.
“It was a big relief that I was able to get it done in the transfer window and I understand how big an opportunity it is for me.
“Things have moved quickly. I didn’t think it was going to happen but there was always contact between the clubs.
“I got the phone call on the transfer deadline day and we got a flight at 8.00pm before the window closing at 11.00pm, so it was last minute stuff.
Walsh is not expected to challenge for the first team any time soon, but the winger will be fast tracked to under-21s level.
He is also a player who is very clearly full of self-belief.
“The plan is to push on to play for the Under-21 side and then progress to the first team,” he said. “I want to improve as much as I can.
“My career has progressed quickly which is nice. I share the same agent as Trai Hume and we have spoken about the move.
“He is doing really well and hopefully I can follow his example. Dan Ballard and Corry Evans are also at Sunderland doing really well.
“Players like Conor Bradley and Callum Marshall are showing the world that Northern Ireland is producing top talent.
“I think I will adapt really well. I have stepped up to the Glentoran first team and I will have a similar belief at Sunderland.”
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