Paul Bryson has paid homage to the effort and commitment Bali Mumba and Dan Neil continue to show at the Academy of Light.
The duo, both 17, have enjoyed great seasons so far with Mumba making a handful of first-team appearances while Neil has been a mainstay in the under-23s and has also enjoyed first-team minutes in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Still only first-year scholars, Bryson is well aware of the pressure the pair face each time they cross the white line, but he believes they’ve taken it all in their stride and are making good progress in and around the development squad.
“They’ve both done unbelievably well so far this season,” he smiled.
“Considering they are so young, there’s no doubting their ability but one thing they’ve got is an absolutely superb attitude.
“The two of them are brilliant to work with. They are hardworking and generally nice people too which really does count for a lot.
“When you look at their attitudes in particular, they’ve had that since they first came through the door as very young boys.
“Sam Greenwood used to be with them too and the three of them used to push each other on so much.
“I’ve never really seen Dan (Neil) or Bali (Mumba) much this year because they’ve been in and around the under-23s and the first team.
“I’m sure when the two of them are together they push each other which is great for their development.
“The good thing that I like about them both is that Bali has only played with us in the FA Youth Cup, but his attitude was fantastic that night considering he has played with the first-team and been with the under-23s for most of the season.
“Dan has trained with the first-team a little bit and has predominantly played with the under-23s, but when he comes into the under-18s he always applies himself in the right manner and that speaks volumes for both of them.”
NEXT UP – MIDDLESBROUGH
Sunderland under-18s are in Premier League action on Saturday when they host Middlesbrough at the Academy of Light, kick-off 11am.
Having had no match since the start of the month when they welcomed Wolverhampton Wanderers to Wearside, Bryson’s side will be looking to pick up their first domestic win of the new calendar year against a side who are looking to cement their place in fifth.
