Duncan Watmore says he's living the dream of being a footballer

Sunderland striker Duncan Watmore says he’s living the dream of being a professional footballer after signing a new four-year deal.

The 21-year-old economics graduate had been mixing studies with his day job and has been juggling the two very different subjects with aplomb.

He picked up a first-class honours degree in economics from Newcastle University while on the pitch he has been hailed an "exciting prospect" by manager Sam Allardyce after making seven appearances for Sunderland this season.

Watmore followed up an impressive cameo for the England Under-21s, where he won a penalty, scored and created a goal in a 3-1 win over Switzerland, with an enthusiastic performance off the bench in Sunderland's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ about his economics degree, Watmore said: "It was good to have a back-up. I enjoyed having an escape from football. It's nice to have a break away from the footballing world and economics took me away from that.

"There are a lot harder jobs out there than football - it's one of the best jobs you can have. I can't complain. I was doing what I love in the day then studying in the evening."

After being released as a teenager by Manchester United, Watmore has got back to the top the hard way.

He was spotted by Sunderland at Altrincham and via a loan spell at Hibernian, the striker has become a fans' favourite with his energetic running and direct dribbling.

Despite the huge rise in class, Watmore believes the move to Sunderland has been one he's adapted to very quickly.

He said: "It was a big step.  I was exciting about the move but I didn't know what level I would get to. However, I felt at the standard of the other players quite soon. I've improved over the last two years - I'm a lot better now than when I joined."