Sunderland youngsters in line for a big chance against Carlisle

Phil Parkinson could hand a big opportunity to some of Sunderland’s Under-23 defenders on Tuesday night.

Sunderland welcome Carlisle United to the Stadium of Light in the EFL Trophy, and as he did against Aston Villa in the competition’s first game, the Black Cats boss is set to blend youth with experience.

Dan Neil and Jack Diamond are likely to feature, with Diamond included on the bench in the 0-0 draw with Charlton Athletic.

Neil had come into contention himself for that game and was part of the travelling squad.

Those talented players will likely feature alongside the likes of Will Grigg and George Dobson, who will need to boost their match fitness before the international break.

In defence, though, Parkinson is short of options.

Three of his senior players are away on international duty, and he is likely to be keen to give Jordan Willis a rest.

Morgan Fee ney would have been a natural candidate to step in, but he is set to be sidelined for a further three months due to a hamstring problem.

“There are players I want to give an opportunity to, a couple of the youngsters,” Parkinson said.

“Defensively we are short on players.

Connor McLaughlin, Tom Flanagan and Arbenit Xhemajli are all away on international duty.

“Jordan [Willis] had a little problem with his knee so we'll have to look at that.

“We'll have a think about it because there are some senior players who will need 90 minutes before we go into the international break as well.

“We'll pick a team that can take us into that weekend in good spirits.”

Brandon Taylor, a fixture in the Under-23s side over the last year and a player who has impressed Parkinson in the past, is one player who could step in.

Summer signing Sam Wilding played on the right of the defence in the Under23s most recent fixture, while Oliver Younger trained with the senior group last week.

“There's could be spaces open for one of two of those younger defenders,” Parkinson said.

“We don't have a lot of options with Morgan Feeney's injury, which will keep him out for twelve weeks.

“So there may be some youngsters who get that opportunity.”