David Moyes has heralded the achievement of Sunderland under-23s as preparations continue to crank up ahead of Wednesday’s International Cup final.
- Tickets: Fans can collect a free ticket for Wednesday's final at the Black Cat House ticket office.
- Elliott Dickman talks to the press ahead of Wednesday's final.
- How the U23s became European finalists.
The young Black Cats host Porto at the Stadium of Light, kick off 7pm, bidding to lift the Premier League International Cup crown for the first time in their history.
Joel Asoro scored the all-important goal to defeat Norwich City in March, and send the club into their first EVER European final.
With over 18,000 Black Cat fans taking full advantage of the free admission offer, Sunderland boss Moyes has talked up the fine feat Elliott Dickman’s team have accomplished.
“It is a big achievement for us to get a team into a final and for the young players is good,” he said.
“I have been fortunate to watch a number of their games this year.
“I watched them against PSV (Eindhoven) and Benfica and I have enjoyed the games – I really have.
“I think it is a good idea to for the young players in this country to get that European experience.
“For that reason it is great for the players to be playing in it.
“George Honeyman is young enough to play in it so it Lynden Gooch and Donald Love, these are all the boys who are playing in the first team.”