At the age of 16, Matthew was the first transfer Sunderland made during Roy Keane’s management reign. He signed a long-term contract with the North-East club after moving from Manly United in his native country, Australia.

Matthew possesses the rare combination of being a good combative height but yet is still extremely agile, quick and technically excellent with both feet. In addition, Matthew's dedication and disciplined approach to all aspects of training and preperation sets the level to any aspiring young footballer.

Alongside his striker partner for the Sunderland U18s, he is one of most prolific goal scorers in the academy leagues. No academy striking partnership has scored more goals this season. Matthew also has a plethora of assists to his name this season such is the unselfish nature of his game. There is little doubt his contribution to that U18s team is a significant reason they top their league at current.

Matthew’s next target will be to hold down a regular place in the reserves team and continue to develop and fulfil his undoubted potential.