Duncan Watmore pens new Sunderland contract and Britain's brainiest footballer is glad to be able to concentrate on playing at the Stadium of Light instead of studying

  • Duncan Watmore penned a new four-and-a-half year contract on Sunday
  • The 21-year-old economics graduate committed his future to Sunderland
  • Sam Allardyce advised that the club prioritised Watmore's unsure situation

By Craig Hope for the Daily Mail

Published: 17:35 EST, 22 November 2015 | Updated: 17:35 EST, 22 November 2015

Given his academic background, you can rest assured that the numbers involved in Duncan Watmore's new Sunderland contract will certainly add up.

The 21-year-old economics graduate signed a four-and-a-half-year deal on Sunday following a week in which he emerged from the bench for England Under-21s to win a penalty, score a second and create the third during their 3-1 victory over Switzerland.

But to the backdrop of that stunning impact remained the uncertainty around his future at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland forward Duncan Watmore signs a new contract at the club, keeping him there until 2020

Sunderland forward Duncan Watmore signs a new contract at the club, keeping him there until 2020

The young star has broken into the first team this year, and has been rewarded with the new deal

The young star has broken into the first team this year, and has been rewarded with the new deal

New boss Sam Allardyce, however, advised that the club prioritised Watmore's contract situation and an agreement was soon reached amid the fear of losing their most talented youngster.

Watmore is set to start for only the second time at Crystal Palace on Monday night, and the winger told Sportsmail: 'I have been very grateful for the opportunities the manager has given me, he's been great with me.

'But the most important thing now is I have got to pay him back by playing well and putting in performances. I know that and he knows that. I'll be patient. If I get starts or come off the bench, I just want to make as many squads as I can and get game time.'

Watmore, who signed from non-League Altrincham in 2013, is already a fan favourite at the Stadium of Light, and he added: 'The fans have been awesome with me. Ever since I started, they have taken to me really well. I love playing in front of them, and I feed off them.

'The goals that I have scored, it is something which is nice, especially as both were at the Stadium of Light.'

Meanwhile, Britain's brainiest footballer – he achieved a first-class honours degree in Economic and Business Management earlier this year – admits he is a little relieved to be free of his studies and able to concentrate on winning a regular starting jersey with the Black Cats.

'I was quite tired after the slog of the full-time degree and full-time football, so I have given myself a bit of a break which I am quite enjoying,' he said.

'So at the moment, no economics, just reading, but nothing serious and I am enjoying that. I actually got an Xbox bought for me a couple of years ago and I haven't really had a chance to play it.

The 21-year-old is an England U21 international, and played for the Young Lions last week

The 21-year-old is an England U21 international, and played for the Young Lions last week

Watmore scored one goal and won the penalty for the other as England U21 beat Switzerland

Watmore scored one goal and won the penalty for the other as England U21 beat Switzerland

'I never really let myself play it because I knew if I got into that I would sacrifice my degree. So I have just been catching up on doing stuff like that.

'I've been enjoying the extra time I've had and focusing on my football a lot more, which is reaping the benefits because I'm getting a lot more game time, which is good.'

As for reading, Watmore said: 'I get the Economics magazine on subscription, but what I am currently reading is the Game of Thrones books. So that's a bit more chilled. The first book got me through the Under-21s' trip to Bosnia this month.

'By my economics degree is something I am very grateful to have. I love the subject.

'Hopefully, if football all goes well and I make a good career, I won't need it for a long time. But it is always something nice to have and it is good to know it is there if I need it.'

If Watmore's impressive rise continues, however, the only numbers he'll have to concern himself with are games and goals. 

Sunderland manager Allardyce said the youngster has 'a great future ahead of him' after his new deal

Sunderland manager Allardyce said the youngster has 'a great future ahead of him' after his new deal

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