Sunderland under-23s travel to Huddersfield Town on Monday as they begin their Premier League Cup campaign at the John Smith's Stadium.
A familiar face will be in the opposing dugout for the clash, with former Sunderland midfielder Dean Whitehead forming part of the Terriers’ coaching staff.
Elliot Dickman’s side lost 4-2 at West Ham on Sunday, with Lee Connelly’s brace taking his tally to four for the season.
And the 19-year-old is hoping to continue his fine run of form in front of goal on Monday night.
“Last season was quite disappointing for me; I didn’t score many goals until Christmas and this season since we’ve been back my aim was to start well and I’ve done that so far,” he said.
“Training with the first team has definitely helped me, seeing how the first team strikers finish and their movement in the box is something I hope I can bring into my own game.
“The short loan spell at South Shields showed me another side of the game even though I didn’t get the number of minutes I hoped for.”
The lads performed well in the Premier League Cup last season, progressing to the last 16 before losing out 2-1 to eventual winners Everton.
And the striker believes the cup could prove a welcome break from their tough start to the league campaign.
“Last year we did well in the cup so I’m hoping as a squad we can take confidence from that and build on it further this season,” he continued.
“It’s a great opportunity to pick up our first win and then build on that in our upcoming league fixtures.
“We played Huddersfield at the end of last season and I got a goal then, so hopefully I can get a couple more in this one as well.”
