Young was on the bench for the Black Cats first-team in the EFL Trophy in November and is targeting an opportunity in League One.

"That was my first proper experience being in the first-team squad, which was great," he said.

"The travelling fans and everything, which I love. If anything it’s probably driven me on. We’re going to Wembley at the end of this month for the Checkatrade trophy. The first-team’s always been the goal for me since I’ve been here.

"It might not even be here, whether I go on loan to get first-team football, but that’s the goal.

Last year the defender, who can also play at left back, spent time on loan with Northern Premier League Division One East club Ossett United. Young “loved” the experience.

"I was in the Under-18s so going from that to men’s league football was a massive change,” he admitted.

"I remember my first game I had no idea what I was getting myself into, the type of football they played, how physical it was. After that first game it did a lot of good for me, playing against men in a league. I enjoyed it."

Young, who has been involved in Young Socceroos training camps in the past, is also seeking to represent Australia one day.

"Definitely, I just got my Aussie citizenship and passport sorted,” he said.

"So definitely in the future international football would be great. As of I know it’s not a massive priority. Club football is probably my priority at the moment. But in the future it’s something I’ll be aiming for.

"I went on a camp last year on the east coast somewhere, a selection camp. That was interesting. It was a good experience nevertheless."