Andy Welsh hailed Sunderland under-23s’ character and paid particular homage to youngsters Andrew Nelson and Ethan Robson ahead of their second trip to Derby in six days.
The young Cats head to the East Midlands on Wednesday evening as they resume their domestic campaign having last Thursday secured their place in the knockout stages of the Premier League International Cup with a spirited point.
While Welsh’s side trailed 2-0 at the break, the development squad dusted themselves down and returned rejuvenated as they set about laying siege to the Rams’ goal.
Nelson halved the deficit to set up a grandstand finish at the iPro stadium before Cameron Cresswell turned the ball into his own net three minutes from time to seal a precious point for the Cats.
Speaking to safc.com, Welsh highlighted the efforts of Nelson and Robson, admitting his players must return to Derby on Wednesday with the same kind of desire.
“Andrew came into the side and produced a manful performance against two strong centre backs,” he said.
“It was nice to get Rees (Greenwood) back and Luke is learning every game because in the beginning he found it difficult to deal with the pace of games.
“He is young and there’s plenty of time for him to continue his development pathway. Daniel Wright also came into it and he battled hard with Ethan in midfield.
“Ethan showed maturity in his performance at times,” he continued.
“There is always an opportunity when players are out to stake a claim and I thought they took their chance.
"They showed a great desire and discipline to their game and that's something we need to take forward with us now.”
