Jake Hackett has refused to be downbeat following Sunderland under-18s’ defeat to Everton, insisting his team-mates can turn their season around.
The young Black Cats were left frustrated on Saturday after their bright start turned to dust and the Toffees gained full control of the U18 Premier League fixture.
Two goals in as many first-half minutes saw the hosts' resolve broken, and that proved to be enough for Everton to secure all three points on Wearside.
However, while Elliott Dickman’s side continue to search for their first league win of the campaign, first-year scholar Hackett has urged his team-mates to remain optimistic.
“Being in the youth team is a lot harder than what it was in the under-16s,” he said.
“The demands are much bigger and the physical challengers are much harder.
“Everton always have good sides but we found it hard and defensively as a group we were poor but I thought we played well in the second half and that’s a real positive.”
He continued: “The Lads know the win is coming but it’s all about trying to get there and we have to remain upbeat.
“We are confident but it’s important we continue to work hard in training and hopefully from that the results will come.”
