Tom Beadling and Andrew Nelson have been challenged to thrive under the pressure of the Football League during their loan spells by Elliott Dickman.
The duo departed the Black Cats during the January transfer window having both been a regular feature in Sunderland under-23s’ team this season.
While Beadling is yet to make his debut for EFL League One side Bury, Nelson made an instant impact at Hartlepool United on Saturday - contributing an assist for Padraig Almond in a 1-1 draw against Yeovil Town.
The pair will remain on loan till the end of the season, and speaking to safc.com Dickman has backed his players to savour every second of the experience.
“It is important that some of the players have that opportunity,” he said.
“Luckily for those two lads it’s great that they have come up through our academy ranks, worked hard and now they can experience some different with the two clubs.
“To go out and gain Football League experience enables them to learn about a different side of the game because it will build them up as players and individuals.”
He continued: “It is good for their development and it’s important to experience first-team football.”
