With Sunderland under-23s’ European semi-final clash at Norwich City on the horizon, Elliott Dickman is working hard to plot a route to victory.
A week ago last Friday, the development squad exited the Premier League Cup at the last 16 stage, narrowly losing out to Colchester United.
But while Dickman’s troops came away thinking what might have been, the under-23s lead coach has insisted his players can’t leave Carrow Road with the same thought.
“It was tough in the first half and to be fair to Colchester they came out with a game plan,” he said.
“They started off very fast, very quick and were on the front foot and maybe that came as a bit of a surprise to some of our players.
“As much as you can prepare and suggest that this is what could happen we were caught.
“Once we settled down, especially in the second half, we played some good football and we created a lot of chances.
“We were unlucky to not put the ball in the back of the net.
“The big thing for us next Friday is to give our best and really try,” he continued.
“Hopefully that will be enough to get us through and hopefully we will possess a little bit more quality than they will.
“They are going to be strong and they are going to be good.
“We don’t want to come back thinking only if we had done this or only if we had done that.
“We have to give it everything we have got to hopefully take the club into the final of the International Cup.”
