Wembley dreams in making...

At the moment, there’s a distinct underplaying of the prospect of reaching the Checkatrade Trophy final.

Sunderland fans know it’s hardly the holy grail of football and certainly can’t hold a candle to the FA Cup.

Tonight’s opponents too lack that star quality and, given Sunderland have already beaten Bristol Rovers this season, it’s a game that while should hold no fears.

Given the relative league positions, it should be sure thing for the Black Cats, but Sunderland fans know only too well, there’s no such thing as a sure thing in football. The supporters have had their fair share of disappointments in the recent past so their reluctance to build up tonight’s clash is understandable.

But putting all that cynicism and pessimism aside, a victory tonight could be significant for Sunderland’s future. While the Checkatrade Trophy lacks glitz, Wembley certainly does not. The Wembley name conjures up memories of glory days gone by. So why shouldn’t it herald glory days ahead?

If Sunderland can get over tonight’s hurdle, few are going to dismiss out of hand a trip to Wembley. They would be playing the big guns of Portsmouth in front of a huge crowd at the home of English football.

And given the match will take place in what we hope will be a successful promotion run-in, it could be a sign of great things to come.

Manager Jack Ross is taking the competition seriously. As he said in the run up to tonight’s clash: “This is a proper game for us.”

He’ll put out a strong side with the expectation of a strong performance.

If the right result ensues, we will be looking forward to another memorable Wembley trip signposting glory days ahead.