Greenwood on Euro semi-final: It is a big game in our season

Rees Greenwood has called for his team-mates to approach Friday’s European semi-final like any other game.

• Training gallery as the Lads prepare for Norwich trip.

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Sunderland under-23s head to Carrow Road tomorrow evening, kick-off 7pm, with FC Porto awaiting for the victors in the Premier League International Cup final.

Last time out, though, the Black Cats’ hopes of advancing in the Premier League Cup came to a shuddering halt as they lost 1-0 to Colchester United.

But Greenwood has revealed that set back has only given his team-mates more drive to go all the way in this European competition.

The 21-year-old also told safc.com he doesn’t want to over think the occasion and is hopeful his players can reproduce a similar assured display like they did in the quarter-finals against Athletic Club in February.

“It is definitely a big game in our season,” he smiled.

“We know if we get through then we are into a major final and that would be a great achievement for us.

“We have a long way to go before we can get there, and we know we need to produce our very best football if we are to get there.

“We need to treat it like any other game, there is no point over thinking it because it is a semi-final but it’s just a game of football,” he continued.

“We know we have the quality in the group to win this match – we have to show it on the night and make sure we take our chances.”