Sunderland's 15-year-old midfielder Chris Rigg merited his chance to make history as the club's youngest-ever outfield player in Saturday's win over Shrewsbury, says boss Tony Mowbray.
The midfielder was included in the squad because of a glut of injuries.
"He was put on the pitch because he deserves to be on the pitch," Mowbray told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"Of course we've got a lot of injuries, which gives him the opportunity. If we'd had six or seven first-team players still available he probably wouldn't have been here today.
"But, the chance comes and everybody needs opportunity.