Joe Gelhardt says he is 'relieved' to open his goal scoring account for Sunderland and is determined to use his maiden goal for the club as a platform to build from.
The Leeds United loanee has been tasked with filling the void left by main marksman Ross Stewart, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury.
Stewart had scored 10 goals in 13 Championship games for the Black Cats, and Gelhardt has been forced to shoulder the goal scoring responsibilities in his absence.
Gelhardt struck the crossbar in Sunderland's 3-0 win at QPR last week, and also had a goal ruled out for offside at Rotherham United.
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The Millers led 2-0 inside 56 minutes before Gelhardt finally got off the mark with a header at the back post just past the hour mark. And after the game, Gelhardt insists he is determined to add more goals to his game.
"Yeah [it's a big relief]," he said, after getting that first goal. "I think by now I've had a few good chances in the last few games. I think I could have scored three or four but that's football.
"I'm happy to score my first goal, obviously the result didn't go our way but hopefully that kicks me on now and I can start getting a few more."
Gelhardt joined Sunderland on loan from Leeds during the January transfer window to gain more playing time, and that is exactly what he is getting at the Stadium of Light.
The 20-year-old made 15 appearances in the Premier League for the Whites this term, but amassed only 201 minutes of action with most of his appearances coming from the bench.
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