International breaks provide a source of motivation and inspiration for Sunderland’s under-23s, according to defender Josh Robson.
A break in the domestic season sees many of the club’s players jet off to represent their respective nations, but for many Black Cats it provides a chance to knuckle down and impress with youngsters training alongside senior stars.
Away from Wearside there is also inspiration with Jordan Pickford selected in an England squad which will be captained by fellow academy graduate Jordan Henderson.
And speaking to safc.com, Robson admitted it is impossible not to be motivated by a clear path of progression.
“It’s good to see the local lads like Jordan Henderson and Jordan Pickford in the England squad,” said Robson. “It’s great for us as young players because it shows what we can achieve with hard work.
“There are various aspects I need to work on – physicality is a major part of that – so it has been great to have the chance to train with the first team during the international break because the standard is so high.”
He continued: “We get to go toe to toe with the likes of Jermain Defoe so it’s a great benefit to us because we can improve our overall game.
“Joel [Asoro] and Josh [Maja] have deservedly made their first-team debuts this season and they’ve worked incredibly hard in the last year, so obviously with them being young lads it’s good to see them coming through and getting that reward.
“Hopefully that is the grounding and more of us can get ourselves across there to show the manager what we can do, as it’s clear that there are opportunities there.”
