Elliot Dickman is expecting another tough game this weekend against Norwich City, as Sunderland under-23s look to build on a 1-1 draw at Stoke City last time out.
Dickman believes the result could be a big building block looking ahead, and Norwich come to Eppleton this weekend needing a big result after their defeat at home to Swansea City
While the point was a positive one, Dickman feels that his team can do better.
“It was a positive start for us. We were pleased with the performance and we felt we did enough to win the game.
“Overall the performance was good and now we need to build on that moving forward. It helps with the players confidence and the main thing is managing that.
“Obviously, we want them to maintain that confidence level but at the same time we don’t want them getting ahead of themselves. All the games at this level are difficult and this weekend will be no different.”
One frustrating aspect of the performance last week against Stoke was the play in the final third, but Dickman has been working hard with his players to improve that aspect of their game.
“We have been giving the players instructions this week to try and improve their finesse in the final third.
“On Monday we were maybe trying to overplay it at times rather than taking the shot when it presented itself. We were taking too many touches, so we are trying to encourage the lads to be a bit more clinical.”
“There are no new injury concerns. Andrias Edmundsson is still missing through an injury he picked up a while ago. He is slowly getting back to fitness, but he won’t be ready for the game on Sunday – other than that we have a clean bill of health."