Regis Le Bris could bring in a surprise name to the side to face off against Stoke City in the FA Cup this afternoon.
Following the disappointing loss to Preston North End at the start of the campaign in the EFL Cup, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris will almost certainly be hoping that his side can put up more of a cup run in the latter half of the season.
Despite the fact that Le Bris’ side will be coming face-to-face with a fellow Championship side in Stoke City, who beat Sunderland at the Bet365 Stadium only weeks ago, it is expected that the French boss will look to switch around his options.
One of those could be young academy star Harrison Jones, who featured earlier this season in the Preston North End cup defeat. He could also be joined by another fellow academy gem, who may be handed a spot in Le Bris’ frontline against Stoke City.
Regis Le Bris could surprise Sunderland fans by utilising Trey Ogunsuyi
Looking at Sunderland’s youth ranks, not many have shown such qualities as Belgian forward Trey Ogunsuyi, who has been ‘one to watch’ this season.
Whilst he is yet to receive his first minutes of professional football for Sunderland, having only gone as far as being named on Le Bris’ bench on six occasions, his class has been shown at youth level, bagging five goals in as many games in Premier League 2, despite just recently turning 18-years-old.
Following his recent run of form, the clash with Stoke City could provide an opportunity for Ogunsuyi to be handed his first whiff of first-team football.
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Trey Ogunsuyi will be confident that he can follow Tommy Watson blueprint
When looking at the various Championship clubs, there aren’t many that approach youngster development like Sunderland, and that will give confidence to several stars around the academy to potentially stake a claim for a first-team spot in the near future.
One example of a player who has Le Bris to thank for his development, as well as the opportunity to play at Championship level, is Tommy Watson.
The winger is certainly an inspiration to many of Sunderland’s youngsters who could be next in line, with Ogunsuyi certainly close to his time to shine.
The clash with Stoke City would be a great opportunity for him to be utilised, and even if Le Bris still thinks that it is too soon, he will certainly have a development plan for the youngster.