Andy Welsh has challenged his side to produce more of the same when they face Darlington on Tuesday evening.
Sunderland’s development side have enjoyed a steady start to pre-season despite missing a number of key players, with Tom Robson, George Honeyman and Rees Greenwood, as well as a few others, currently training with the first team.
And speaking to safc.com ahead of the game Welsh was in buoyant mood, revealing that his young players are relishing their next opportunity to impress.
“I think we may have one or two players back from the first team which would give us a lift and a little more strength, and even though it will be a difficult game we’re looking forward to it.
“We’re hoping to continue to continue to build our fitness while also ensuring the players know what we want from them in and out of possession.”
He added: “We’re ready to go and once we complete Tuesday’s game we will continue our preparations with a training camp overseas.”
Welsh also took time out to praise his side’s performance during Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Hearts, hailing their tenacity and ability after matching a senior side who are further forward in their preparations.
“It was a really good performance from a really young team. We worked hard throughout the 90 minutes and we had some really good chances, so we were right in the game and on another day we could’ve won it.
“Hearts were a lot older than us and have already been back for four or five weeks playing a few games during that time, so overall I was more than happy with our performance and it was a good development experience.”
