Squad named for Boro clash.

Sunderland’s second string are in Barclays U21 Premier League action this afternoon as they make the short trip to Middlesbrough.

The Tees-Wear rivals will clash at Boro’s Rockliffe Park training complex, with the game kicking off at 1pm.

Coach Kevin Ball has named a young squad for the game with Ryan Noble the only player with first-team experience.

Five Academy players – Tom McNamee, Joel Dixon, Ethan Robson, Nathan Thomas and Mikael Mandron – have won call-ups.

Both McNamee and Mandron started the U21s’ last game – a narrow 1-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Check safc.com later for a full report.

Sunderland (from): Wilson, Dixon, Marrs, Ferguson, Laidler, Harrison, McNamee, Mitchell, Gorrin, Ryan Noble, Mandron, Lynch, Robson, Joyce, Thomas.