Assistant manager James Fowler has highlighted the exemplary work that goes at the academy levels of the club.
On Tuesday night, five young prospects made their senior bows as Jack Ross’ Sunderland defeated Sky Bet League Two club Morecambe 1-0.
Academy graduate Josh Maja scored right at the death to seal the Lads’ pathway into the last 32 as group A winners, in a match which saw Jack Bainbridge, Brandon Taylor, Jordan Hunter, Jake Hackett and Dan Neil handed debuts.
Jack Diamond was also handed his first start while 16-year-old Neil, the youngest of the five, came on as a late substitute following a number of impressive displays with the under-23s.
"The club has a history of bringing through players so that’s good for us,” Fowler said.
“It’s good for the manager because he likes to work with keen, young and hungry players as well.
“I know there has been some negativity surrounding the under-23s this season because of their results but we have got some players out on loan and that has weakened their side somewhat.
“The manager has had Bali (Mumba) and Benji (Kimpioka) amongst our squad which does affect them as well.
“I think the Lads showed on Tuesday that there is good players in the youth ranks still and that’s a credit to Elliott (Dickman) and the academy staff for the work that they are doing for them.”
