Dennis Cirkin has dedicated his first senior goal to his late father, after scoring Sunderland's winner against Wigan Athletic at the weekend. Cirkin lost his father early last year, before his summer move from Spurs to Sunderland, and it affected him deeply and meant he needed to take some time out from football.
And when he headed his goal at the Stadium of Light to complete the Black Cats' comeback after having fallen behind in the first half, he pointed to the skies in celebration. "I prefer not to go into too many details because I don't want anyone to sympathise with me but certainly the experience has shaped who I am," said the 20-year-old left-back.
"I think it has made me stronger mentally, I went through a very tough period in my life and that shaped me as a person, it made me think about things a lot more, who I am, what I want to do, where I want to be, where my Dad would want me to go. Every day, I keep remembering him, recalling what he said to me and especially on Saturday.
READ MORE: Dennis Cirkin produced a header Niall Quinn would have been proud of as Sunderland defeat Wigan
"He was always willing me to score , always banging on about me getting a goal, so I am definitely dedicating this goal to him. I think I am a mentally stronger character because of what I have been though.
"They were big learning experiences , obviously, they have shaped me and helped me become the person I am today."
Cirkin's goal came on his 50th appearance for Sunderland, and marked his comeback after more than a month out of action with a hamstring injury. He said of the goal: "I think it's been coming and it's been a long time.
"I've had a lot of banter from the lads and the coaches especially about getting this first goal but it means a lot to me. I'm just pleased that we won the game as well."
Former Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke had put Wigan in front just before half-time, but Cirkin provided the assist for Elliot Embleton to level soon after the break before Cirkin himself struck just under 20 minutes from time. His goal was a brave header after he came galloping in at the far post and outmuscled Wigan skipper Tendayi Darikwa to get on the end of Alex Pritchard's cross.
It was a goal reminiscent of Niall Quinn in his heyday, and the Sunderland legend was watching from the directors' box as he attended the game to mark the 20th anniversary of his final game for the club. Told of the comparison, Cirkin said: "Was it?
"I never really watched footage of him but if that was a Quinn-like goal, then I will definitely look back at a few of his goals for Sunderland! I was getting very frustrated that I had not scored a goal before today.
"I don't know how many appearances it had been but I just couldn't get a goal so I am very pleased, especially when it is the winner and after everything that has happened in last few weeks, getting injured and what have you."
Cirkin was back in the side after recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered at Middlesbrough at the beginning of September. He said: "It was frustrating.
"I went to jump and press the keeper and it just went. I feel like I recovered in time and got 90 minutes [for the U21s] on Monday.
"That's how quickly football can change, from playing U21s on Monday to 90 minutes on Saturday against Wigan and scoring in front of 40,000. It's an amazing feeling."
Cirkin is also enjoying working with Tony Mowbray, saying the new head coach is continually encouraging him from the touchline. "I think he's brilliant with the players," said Cirkin.
"Even with me, I think I had a 45-minute hour chat with him, just speaking about life and everything. I think he's great and even on the touchline there he's just always talking to me and always helping out.
"He's a great guy and I really appreciate how he's come in and how everyone has settled in well. It's been brilliant so far."
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