Andy Welsh is hoping Sunderland under-23s can end 2016 with a win when they take on Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven tomorrow at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 12pm).
Last season saw the Black Cats exit the Premier League International Cup at the hands of Pascal Jansen’s side as they advanced to the semi-finals.
However, following a run of six games unbeaten Welsh believes his players are well placed to dismantle PSV this time round.
Speaking to safc.com, Welsh praised his side’s desire to earn a point against Burnley last Sunday, insisting they will need to reproduce that and more this time round if they are to win.
“It kept our run going and it meant we remained unbeaten in the Premier League Cup with five points – a win and two draws,” he said.
“The lads that came in did very well and that was important because they need some games.
“It was Andrew Nelson’s first start because he has been out with a long-term injury and it was Luke Molyneux’s first start for a while also.
“Hopefully they will all be involved in the PSV game on Friday and today it was a good chance for the lads to gain some match time.
“All our attentions turn to PSV now and that will be a really stiff test because we lost 1-0 at the Stadium of Light last season in a quarter-final match,” he continued.
“It will be a real footballing test and we are now looking forward to preparing.
“They are the kind of games you want because from a development purpose it’s a great game to have.”
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