Lee: Papa John's Trophy run can benefit Cats’ promotion push

Lee Johnson says Sunderland's Papa John's Trophy run can be a positive in their bid for League One promotion.

The Black Cats were handed a tough draw for the semi final on Friday night, with Michael Appleton's Lincoln City set to visit the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland's run to the final of the same competition in 2018/19, and the fixture pile-up that followed, was seen by many as one of the reasons why the side's promotion push fell away.

Johnson is wary of potential injury issues but believes the extra fixtures build positive competition in his squad.

"I think it depends on how many players you've got fit and available," he said.

"For sure we had it at Bristol

City, it was a great moment for us when we got to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup and lost to Manchester City, but at the same time off the back of it we ended up with nine injuries because it was so intense.

"They were actually mainly contact injuries but it was difficult, it's just the sheer force of the number of games.

"Today, as we speak, I don't think it's going to affect us and I think it's a positive for us.

"I think our squad is big enough that we need players to have something to look forward to and while they know it's Saturday-TuesdaySaturday, I will use the squad rotation if I believe that player can help us go and win the game.

"You've only got to look at Josh Scowen on Tuesday; to me he look tired in that 20 minute spell in the first half, so we made a decision to protect him and made an early change.

"I still maintain the belief, and it might be wrong, but I feel like when we play the long game over a period of time, even though the moments might not suit us,

I believe that our strength in depth will come to the fore," he added.

"So I think it's so important that we keep everyone lifted and motivated, knowing that we rate them and fancy them.

"The vibe is good at the moment, we've got more and more competition, and you've got to be as powerful as you can be."

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