Luke Molyneux is feeling in good shape ahead of Sunderland under-23s’ 2016-17 Premier League 2 campaign.
The development team enjoyed a fine year last term as they ran Manchester United all the way for the league crown.
While a late dip in form saw the young Black Cats fall just short of the title, there is a weight of expectancy on the shoulders of Andy Welsh’s new-look side this season.
With a host of youth team products keen to step up and stake their claim in the under-23s, Molyneux has revealed pre-season have been a learning curve for a lot of the lads but solid preparations have meant they’re all in good condition.
“It was a disappointing performance at Leeds and we conceded some poor goals,” he said.
“There are some positives we can take from the game and we must do that.
“Our squad is really young and there are a lot of expectations on us when you look at how well the lads did last season.
"We have listened to the coaches and we are now trying to implement what they've told us into our game as quickly as possible," he continued.
“I’m feeling sharp and looking in training so are a lot of the lads. Next week is our first league game of the season so it will be a big match but we are ready for the challenge.”
