Elliott Dickman believes motivation isn't an issue ahead of Sunderland under-18s' mini Wear-Tyne derby on Saturday.
The young Black Cats host Newcastle United in the U18 Premier League fresh and recharged from a timely international break.
While Dickman’s side remain pointless after three games, the arrival of an undefeated Magpies to Wearside provides the youth team with the perfect chance to break their early season hoodoo and get off the mark.
Speaking to safc.com Dickman admitted while his players must learn from their mistakes quickly, motivation is one thing that his players don’t require ahead of the derby.
“We have approached the game in the right manner having had a tough start to the season,” he said.
“We have had people away with injuries and lads sent off, so there is a lot of frustration around the coaching and the organisation behind the scenes.
“To be fair to the players though they have worked hard, given their all and that is something we can definitely get hold of to keep pushing them.”
He continued: “The players are well aware of this weekend’s game and it’s an opportunity for them to turn their season around because it’s a derby and anything can happen.
“We know it’s going to be tough but the players don’t need any extra motivation to get up for a game like this.”
