Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn eyes first-team berth

Waghorn netted 12 times on loan at Leicester City last season

Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn is treating Tuesday's Carling Cup tie with Colchester United as a chance to stake his claim for a first-team berth.

Waghorn, 20, returned this summer after loan spell at Leicester last season and aims to push Darren Bent and Fraizer Campbell for a regular start.

"It's a chance to play week-in, week out," Waghorn told BBC Newcastle.

"If I can get a couple of goals, prove my point I can't do any more. When I get my start I'm going to take it."

The South Shields-born forward made his first-team debut at Manchester United on Boxing Day 2007, but has made just seven appearances since then.

But boss Steve Bruce has made his intentions to retain the England under-19 international clear and Waghorn is keen to repay that faith by guiding the club on a run in the knockout competitions this season.

"It could be a main target to have a run in the Carling Cup, and it's a massive chance to get into Europe," Waghorn said.

"If we get the chance, I'm sure the young lads will take it, there's some good players on the bench, the likes of me and Jack [Colbeck], we're young we're fresh and we're willing to go."