Robbie Stockdale is relishing Sunderland’s trip to Hartlepool United tonight, admitting it allows the club's youngsters the perfect chance to pit their wits against Football League opposition.
The Black Cats began their Checkatrade Trophy campaign last month at Rochdale, and while the hosts dominated Sunderland adapted to the physical demands and went in front as Elliot Embleton found the net with a sumptuous strike from range.
However, Rochdale levelled shortly after through Ian Henderson and then clinched the bonus point following a 4-2 penalty shootout win.
But as Sunderland look to build on the positives from that display, Stockdale has told safc.com he is keen to once against see how the club’s youngsters fair in a competitive environment against an established Football League opposition.
“They are a good team and a very strong side,” he said. “I went to see them in the game they drew against Luton and I was impressed with them because they try to play football.
“The players are strong and physical but they have to be because they play at that level week in week out, so we are expecting a tough game and a really good challenge for our younger players and this is what the tournament is all about.
“We’re looking to give Billy Jones some minutes and we are still waiting on another one,” he continued.
“It will be a very similar team to the one we went to Rochdale with and I think that opened a few of the younger player’s eyes because they will be expecting something similar to that physical test.
“We spoke before that game about neutralising the physical aspect out the game when we had the ball.
“Technically hopefully we will be able to do that but when you haven’t got the ball you have got to be physical otherwise they will overpower us.”
