Sunderland haven’t had much to shout about during the first month of the season with the Black Cats currently rooted to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League table.

However one man who has made an impressive start to the campaign is Sunderland Under 21 forward Lynden Gooch.

Gooch made his first-team debut in Sunderland’s 6-3 Capital One Cup win over Exeter at the Stadium of Light after scoring three goals in as many Barclays U21 Premier League games.

Sportsmail spoke to Gooch in an exclusive interview after the 19-year-old scooped the U21 Player of the Month award for August.

Sunderland's Lynden Gooch poses with his Barclays Under 21 Premier League Player of the Month award

Gooch scored three goals in three games for the U21 side before earning a promotion to the first team

GOOCH'S AWESOME AUGUST Sunderland U21 3-1 Norwich City U21 (scored one goal) Reading U21 2-1 Sunderland U21 (scored one goal) Sunderland U21 1-0 Tottenham U21 (scored one goal) Sunderland 6-3 Exeter City (made first-team debut) Aston Villa 2-2 Sunderland (named on bench in Premier League fixture) Advertisement

Congratulations Lynden on your award! What’s been the secret behind your success with three goals in three games for the Under 21s?

I had a very good start to pre-season and I came back really fit from the summer. I made sure I looked after myself when I was back home in the States.

What would you say your style of play is and what is your best position?

I like to be the main attacker, get on the ball and create things. I like to play just off the main striker in the No 10 role. That’s where I have played this season and that’s where I have scored three goals and been a big influence. I can play as a No 9 as well.

What did Dick Advocaat say to you before your senior debut?

I came in on Monday morning after we played on Sunday for the U21s and he just said “you are training with me this morning”. Then I was in the squad against Exeter, it happened really quick.

Did Duncan Watmore’s promotion to the senior team give you confidence?

It gave all of us confidence in the U21s and U18s as we saw someone from the academy make that step up and do so well. We all just thought if he can do it then so can we.

Sunderland U21 graduate Duncan Watmore scored in the Black Cats' 6-3 Capital One Cup win over Exeter

What’s been the main difference between training with the U21s and the first team?

The speed of play is a lot quicker and you have to know what you're going to do with the ball before you get it. It’s a lot quicker mentally and physically.

What made you leave America to join Sunderland at such a young age?

My dad is from Colchester so I always wanted to come over here and play as he was such a major influence. Also watching the Premier League as a kid, I didn’t think twice when I got the chance to come over here and play. I came over here for the first time when I was 10.

Who do you look up to in the first team?

I’d say Jermain Defoe. I watched him as a kid during his time at Tottenham and Portsmouth. He was brilliant as he scored a lot of goals and he gave me a lot of confidence as a fellow small player. To play with him now is even more of a dream.

Gooch's main inspiration at Sunderland is former Tottenham and Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe

The best advice you have been given by either a player or manager at Sunderland?

Just work hard and always give your best. If you work hard you will get what you deserve.

What do you do in your spare time away from football?

Not much, chill out with my girlfriend and my team-mates. I also play FIFA, which most players do.

Last film you watched?

American Sniper. It was class!

Last album you listened to?

Beauty Behind the Madness by The Weeknd.

Last holiday?

I went back home to California this summer.

Who would you tip to make it at Sunderland?

Rees Greenwood. He’s a really good footballer with a similar style to me. He scores and helps to create goals. I love playing with him as we have a good partnership.

Gooch was an unused substitute during Sunderland's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa before the international break

Another great experience in the Match Day squad vs Villa today. Decent point away from home as well. Fans were brilliant once again! #safc — Lynden Gooch (@LyndenGooch) August 29, 2015

Best player you’ve ever played against?

Adnan Januzaj. He was class when we played against him a few times.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a footballer?

I’d probably be a surfer in California. My oldest brother and all my friends are surfers, so I’d be doing something in that industry.

Did you enjoy your loan spell at Gateshead last season?

I really enjoyed it. It was my first taste of first-team football and I learned a lot as it was a competitive environment. I scored a goal and claimed a few assists, so it was great.

Gooch came off the substitutes' bench to make his senior debut against Exeter in the Capital One Cup

How have you found international football at U20 level?

It’s a great honour to represent your country. It’s been really good and hopefully I can break into America’s U23 squad soon.

What’s the aim for the next few months?

I will try my best to make the first-team squad every week, keep improving and hopefully show the manager what I can do.

And lastly, are you likely to be involved in this weekend’s Premier League game between Sunderland and Tottenham?

I just have to keep working hard in training and hopefully the gaffer will pick me.