Jack Ross is relishing every challenge that’s thrown in front of him as Sky Bet Championship club Sheffield Wednesday provide the next test tonight.
Battling for a place in round two of this season’s Carabao Cup, Sunderland play host to the Owls at the Stadium of Light this evening, kick-off 7.45pm.
Following an unbeaten start to life in the third tier of English football, Ross’ side will return to home soil after collecting a useful point away to newly promoted Luton Town on Saturday.
And having kick started their season off with an injury-time winner last time out on Wearside, Ross is pleased with the progress despite the limited resources.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, the Scotsman did, however, provide an insight into his team selection as he ramped up the importance of the next three league games proceedings tonight’s cup tie.
“The games we have had already have shown us how difficult this league will be this season,” he said.
“It hasn’t surprised me, we had a tough two opening fixtures and that proved to be the case as well.
“It has been good, though, because we have been able to see how teams will react when coming to our stadium. Equally, we have seen what environment we will be going to when we aren’t at home.
“I am looking forward to our cup tie because part of the new experience is while I can watch footage to gauge an understanding, I’m only really learning when we play teams on the pitch.”
He continued: “From a Championship perspective we played Middlesbrough, albeit for only 45 minutes, that was good. It gave me an insight into the quality in that league and the good thing for me is we have got a number of players who have played in that league.
“I’d also say they still have the quality to play in that league. It is obviously in the middle of a busy schedule, so we have to assess our squad because we have three league games in six days following Thursday night.
“We have three really big-league games coming up, two of which are in the London area so logistically that’s difficult for us.
“In forward areas in particular, I have to be very careful because Josh (Maja) and Chris (Maguire) are all we have really. We have to look after them ahead of our important league games.”
