Elliott Dickman is keen to push development at the Academy of Light and has revealed he will continue to provide youngster with the opportunity to impress in the under-23s.
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On Sunday Dickman fielded a Black Cats side which had an average age of just over 18.
While the starting line-up included three second-year scholars, the subs bench also saw three youth team regulars feature as Dickman looked to blood the next batch of youngsters.
And despite his side suffering defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League 2, Dickman has told safc.com the emphasis must be to encourage player development at a young age – whether that means loan deals or stepping up an age group to push an individual.
“The difference was that Chelsea had some players who are actually on loan but they played for their under-23s to help them win the game,” he said.
“From their point of view that was a very talented and very strong side that we played against.
“We are in slightly different position. We are looking for the next batch of lads who are coming through and the average age of the side that started against Chelsea was just over 18.
“It was a very young side, so we are at their point now when our younger lads in the system will get opportunities.
“And then even younger lads might get an opportunity – that will allow some of the older lads to experience a loan, so they can get a taste of men’s football.
“There are a number out on loan all ready and I’m sure there will be more which is right for their career,” he continued.
“We will be a lot more inexperienced than what we were on Sunday and we will be playing lads who are a lot younger than what we did on Sunday.
“That will be difficult but it’s about the progression of the players and we need to make sure they are getting the help and support needed to fulfil their potential, whether it’s with a loan or whether it’s an 18, 17 or 16-year-old playing in the under-23s.
“Whatever we feel is right, but the big thing is that no matter what age you have to compete in the game and that’s maybe something we didn’t do well enough against Chelsea.”