Michael Woud believes a cup run can provide the perfect tonic to helping Sunderland under-18s turn their domestic fortunes around.
The 17-year-old New Zealand stopper enjoyed a Christmas break back in his homeland but has since returned to Wearside with high hopes of a strong 2017.
Elliott Dickman’s side ended the calendar year on a three game unbeaten run, with an impressive 4-1 victory over Burton Albion in the third round of the FA Youth Cup the stellar performance to round the year off.
And as attentions remain fixed on the historic cup competition, with the arrival of Shrewsbury Town on Wednesday 11 January at Eppleton Colliery Welfare (kick-off 7pm), Woud is hopeful a cup run can inspire success in their U18 Premier League campaign.
“It's been good to get back after a good break,” he said.
“It’s a new year and we are all looking to have a good second-half to the season starting against Shrewsbury on Wednesday.
“We ended the year really well and finished off with that good win against Burton Albion in the previous round of the cup.
“We know on Wednesday it will be another tough game and we need to be up for it again,” he continued.
“It's always good to have a good cup run and we are feeling confident about how far we can go in the cup and we are looking to turn that form into the league as well because we know the benefit it can have.”
