Alex Storey is hungry to taste victory more often and believes Sunderland’s second-year scholars must raise their game ahead of West Bromwich Albion.
First-year scholar Lee Connelly scored the vital goal that handed the Black Cats a crucial and long-awaited three points last weekend at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Despite still being bottom of the U18 Premier League, spirits in the camp have received a major boost as Elliott Dickman’s youthful side now set their sights on another three points this Saturday.
Speaking to safc.com, Storey has hailed the importance of the second-year scholars in order to helping the Black Cats turn their season around.
“It’s massive and I think it’s all about communication and encouragement for the first-years,” he said.
“It’s their first year and they are stepping up into full-time football for the first time.
“It’s not easy and even now they are still settling in after a few months.”
He continued: “We are all confident we can get there eventually and I think in the meantime we just need to keep building around them and showing them that we are there for them.”