Paul Bryson is keen to ramp up the importance of tonight’s FA Youth Cup tie at home to Oldham Athletic.
Sunderland under-18s welcome the Latics to Eppleton Colliery Welfare this evening, kick-off 7pm, looking to advance to the third-round stage.
Having edged past Halifax Town in round one, Bryson has told safc.com he is keen to hammer home the significance of a good run as he puts their league form to one side.
“Each week the lads play their Premier League matches and that’s all about development,” he said.
“We’re trying to give players minutes, so they develop but when it comes to the youth cup, which is the biggest youth competition in the country, you tend to play your strongest side which is going to get the right result at the end of the day.
“We want to win and progress as far as we can. It’s the biggest one for me and hopefully it is for the players.
“Everyone is interested in this one because there’s that prestige that comes with it,” he continued.
“Of course, the manager and his staff are interested in what goes on every Saturday in our league campaign, but everyone likes a good cup run. I’m no different and I’m sure the players are no different either.”
