Chris Coleman has lavished praised on the bright prospects within Sunderland’s academy.
Since joining the club in November, the Welshman has shown a keen interest in the youngsters coming through at the Academy of Light, with Elliot Embleton making his senior debut at Wolves earlier this month.
Last Saturday, Josh Maja was the next one to make his highly-anticipated league debut for the club, and the 18-year-old didn’t disappoint as he struck five minutes after coming on to help the lads secure an important home win over Fulham.
Joel Asoro and Ethan Robson have also impressed in the first-team squad, while Tom Beadling and Denver Hume have been involved in various matchday squads as Coleman continues to show his faith in the club’s youth.
And with Birmingham City set to arrive on Saturday, Coleman has revealed he is likely to once again call on their services with Bryan Oviedo and Paddy McNair doubtful.
The Black Cats boss has also declared how impressed he has been with their involvement on and off the pitch.
“Brilliant, fantastic,” he said.
“I always like to integrate some of the youngsters because their enthusiasm gives the tempo of training a lift.
“They have been fantastic and they have given value.
“They have played a part. I can’t say I'm surprised because I didn’t really know what to expect from them.
“But I have been impressed with the way they have handled the environment.
“Sometimes when you come up with the first team, you can forgive younger players for being caught in the headlights a little bit because they are not used to it but they come again.
“They eventually get used to it,” he continued.
“The guys we have here have done well and I’ve been really impressed.”
