Sunderland face Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena on Tuesday evening for the first time in the Checkatrade Trophy, and George Honeyman is relishing the opportunity to play against senior professionals.
The Black Cats enter the competition for the first time as part of a Football League revamp and have been drawn into Northern Group F which will see them face Rochdale, Notts County and Hartlepool United.
Feeling fresh and sharp following a flying start to the new season, the forward has netted three times in his last two matches against Chelsea and Leicester City.
But as attentions turn to next week’s Checkatrade Trophy, Honeyman told safc.com it’s a good chance for youngsters to pit their wits against some experienced Football League professionals.
“It will be a good test for the lads to see how they can cope against a physically tough opposition,” he said.
“For young lads, like myself, it’s a good step in our development because we want to push ourselves and show what we can do.
“It will be a good test to see where we are in our development and hopefully if we can replicate what we have shown in the league then I’m sure it will get some notice.”
He continued: “I’m delighted with my start to the season because goals have been something I have wanted to add to my game.
“The older I have got the more I have realised that goals is a major thing to have in your game and that’s what I have tried to work on over the summer, hopefully it can continue.”