Elliott Dickman believes Sunderland under-18s’ character will be tested when they head to league-leaders Manchester United this Saturday.
The young Black Cats produced an impressive display last weekend as Lee Connelly fired home a hat-trick to help the lads’ race into a 4-1 lead at Everton.
But while a lapse in concentration saw Dickman’s side let their three-goal lead slip in the closing stages, the under-18s coach has urged for his side to stand up and be counted for as they look to draw on the positives and produced another spirited display.
“United are a talented side and they have invested in a couple of good quality players,” he said.
“It will be important for us to take our spirit and work ethic from our game last weekend into this one.
“We need to make sure that is very good and hopefully we will be able to play a little bit more with the ball.”
He continued: “It’s all about trying to get that balancing act right but hopefully we can go down there and look to build on the positives from Everton.”
