The youngster's latest outing was in the Reserves' victory over Newcastle United on Monday in which he was a constant threat and he is hoping his efforts will catch the eye of the manager.

Roy Keane might have openly mused about the temptation to send the 20-year-old striker out on loan to the Championship to get more experience.

But the Sunderland boss has also talked about the impressive sharpness and desire shown by the young Irishman since his return to pre-season training.

And Stokes is determined to follow up that good impression by continuing his first-team progress.

He made his first appearance of the season on Sunday when he came on as a second-half substitute in the game against Manchester City.

And he's hoping to get more of a look-in, in the weeks ahead.

He said: "The aim is to get back in the team, and of course I think that's possible.

"I've been in all the squads so far and I came on against Man City, so I think the manager still sees me as someone who is in his plans.

"To be honest, I haven't really thought about going out on loan.

"The gaffer hasn't said anything to me about any interest or asked whether I want to go out, so it doesn't really come into my head.

"I'm 100 per cent focused on trying to get into the Sunderland team, and I won't think about going out on loan unless the gaffer says something to me.

"He's been really supportive since I joined the club, so I want to pay him back by scoring goals for Sunderland.

"But I'm sure if the gaffer wants me to go out on loan, he'll let me know about it."