WE NEED KIDS LIKE GEORGE
SUNDERLAND captain John O’shea says the club’s young guns can help them challenge for a swift return to the Premier League.
Northumberland-born midfielder George Honeyman scored his first senior goal to knock Bury out of the Carabao Cup in midweek and set up a secondround tie with Carlisle.
Honeyman, at the club from the age of 10, also started and impressed against Derby in their 1-1 Championship season opener. He is one of five academy players looking to break into Simon Grayson’s team this season along with Lynden Gooch, Ethan Robson, Joel Asoro and England Under-20s star Elliot Embleton.
Veteran defender O’shea (right) knows the Mackems’ class of 2017 will be called upon this season. He said: “The manager spoke to us as soon as he came in about being as positive and that he would bring in youngsters like George.
“He is a credit to himself and everyone associated with him because he has worked hard and grafted. He is getting his rewards because he is a genuine, honest lad with great ability.
“That is what we are going to have to do this season. We have to keep the spirit going.”
Summer signing James Vaughan looks for his first goal for his new club at Norwich, saying: “I haven’t given up on that dream of playing in the Premier League again and scoring goals.”