Andy Welsh is hopeful Sunderland under-23s can use the point gained at Derby County last Thursday as the platform to take all three points tonight (KO 7PM, St Georges' Park).
Last time out saw a determined young Black Cats side secure their place in the knockout stages of the Premier League International Cup after they came from two goals down to earn a point.
While at one stage that looked an impossible task – as they trailed 2-0 at the midway break – steely grit and determination saw the Lads cancel out the Rams’ advantage in the closing stages.
Tonight sees Welsh bring his side to the East Midlands for the second time in six days, this time with high hopes of clinching all three points as they continue their Premier League 2 campaign.
“We have got to start better, be quicker and we have got to get possession of the ball better,” he said.
“I want to see the lads compose themselves quicker than we did the other night and really look to be the team posing the questions rather than having to answer them.
“Derby are physically strong, they have an old group so it will be another difficult test but we are hoping to get the points.
“Last Thursday they didn’t carve us open but the response was great from the players at half-time, and its important we take that forward with us and look for a more complete performance against them.”
