Ollie Younger is relishing the opportunity of impressing further as Sunderland take on Manchester United Under-21s at the Stadium of Light this Wednesday.
The second Papa John's Trophy Group F game of the season for the Lads comes after a young side overcame Lincoln City 2-1 last midweek, and the defender is expected to be part of another youthful line-up selected by Lee Johnson.
“It’s a good opportunity for everyone, myself included, and playing in front of fans is what we’re all looking forward to,” Younger said.
“Obviously, it will be a young Manchester United side that we face, but they will have undoubted quality and it’ll be a good test.
“The opportunity and learning curve against Lincoln were good – I feel that everyone put in a real positive performance – and we can build momentum by winning games.”
Younger acknowledged the threat posed by the young Red Devils side, who have already beaten Bradford City 3-0 in a previous group game at Valley Parade.
“Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world and one of the best teams, with some excellent young players with the budget they have.
“It will be a different test perhaps to the Lincoln game, as it might be more technical and not quite as physical. The pitch here is slick and they might look to play it on the floor more often. It will be another good learning experience for us.”
Finally, Younger described the most important factor of the encounter as breeding a successful mentality, whilst also looking to take the opportunity given with both hands.
“The most important thing for us is to just keep winning as many games as possible. If we win on Wednesday, it brings us that much closer to qualifying.
“You get judged on success as footballers and winning is the way to achieving that. It’s what we did in this competition last year and we want to do well again.
“Of course, you want to look to impress and do well when you get the chance, but for us it’s about creating and keeping a winning mentality.”