Elliott Dickman has offered his thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s Papa Johns Trophy game against Manchester United Under-21s on Wearside, with the Lads looking to make it two wins from two in the competition.
The Under-23 Head Coach highlighted the “togetherness” of the club, with many of his side’s young players expected to feature for the first team again.
“The Head Coach is going to pick a side that’s going to be competitive to go and win the game.
“There is a lot of games coming up for both the first team and the Under-23s, but we’ll be as competitive as we can be in a tough game.
“It was a great experience last game against Lincoln when a number of the Lads played and the staff were around it.
“We have a philosophy that we want to implement from the first team down, and the manager said last week that he was pleased with the togetherness that we had as two groups.
“The Head Coach and the staff have been excellent with the players and us as staff and it could be an opportunity tomorrow for some players to continue what they did against Lincoln.”
Dickman also emphasised the impact that Sunderland’s local young players have had in recent years, heaping special praise on Dan Neil.
“We’ve done quite well over the last few years with lads playing in our first team.
“Someone like Dan, he’s really excelling and doing really well and hopefully that will continue.
“He’s still got a lot to learn but he’s in good hands and the fans love seeing local lads getting their opportunity, and it’s up to them to take it.”