Young Black Cats hungry for first-team opportunities from boss

SUNDERLAND’S youngsters are buzzing right now, knowing an opportunity in the first team could crop up at any moment.

Jack Ross has shown faith in the club’s academy products, with Josh Maja a regular, as was Denver Hume before his injury.

And the Checkatrade Trophy has proven a great opportunity for the Black Cats to take a look at under-23 players, with seven players handed debuts at Morecambe.

Jack Diamond, Jake Hackett, Jack Bainbridge and Jordan Hunter made full debuts, and teenagers Lee Connelly, Daniel Neil and Brandon Taylor got first tastes of senior football from the bench.

On the pitch the under-23s have struggled this season. Relegated from the Premier League 2 top flight last season, they’re now bottom of the second tier.

But Dickman says the development of the players is proof that results at under-23 aren’t the most important factor, with the players buzzing right now.

He told safc.com: “You can definitely see there is a buzz around the group.

“They’ve sampled the first-team environment, the staff and everything that comes with it. It is great for the lads to get the chance to see how things are done on a senior matchday.

“Jack Diamond, Jake Hackett and Jack Bainbridge started and did smashing, so did Jordan Hunter who was able to experience it too.

“There were good bits in all their performances.

“Lee Connelly came on and took to it like a duck to water. His work ethic and attitude is really good and that’s helped our training group.”