Sunderland fans can look forward to an FA Cup third round clash with Stoke City in the New Year, and it could be a great chance to blood some youngsters.
While Sunderland fans were probably hoping for a more exciting FA Cup draw, the Black Cats will have a good opportunity to progress in the competition when they face Stoke.
Sunderland’s priority this season will be to keep pushing for promotion in the Championship, but cup games can still be useful.
Regis Le Bris has an array of talented young players at his disposal, some of which he hasn’t even used yet, and the cup tie against Stoke would be the ideal time to change that.
- READ MORE: Three teams Sunderland would love to get in FA Cup third round draw, and two they need to avoid
Trey Ogunsuyi is ready for first-team football
Trey Ogunsuyi is the talk of the town when it comes to youngsters in the Sunderland academy, with the striker recently bagging his 13th goal of the season for the Under-21s.
He’s only 18-years-old, and Ogunsuyi does still have things he needs to work on, but with his raw talent and prolific form in front of goal, he’s definitely ready for a taste of first-team action.
With Sunderland currently struggling in front of goal, the young Belgian could well get his opportunity a little earlier than January. But, if he’s not made his debut by then, it has to happen against Stoke.
Harrison Jones can pull the strings for Sunderland
Another player excelling in Graeme Murty’s Under-21 side is playmaker Harrison Jones. While Le Bris is spoiled for choice in the midfield area, the 19-year-old could be in line for a call-up to the senior team soon.
Harrison Jones is also in negotiations for a new contract at Sunderland right now, and while a January loan move could be on the cards, he may still be around by the time the FA Cup third round tie arrives.
If he is, and if Le Bris does use him there, we could witness a real breakthrough for Jones. Hopefully he puts in the kind of performance that helps him secure a promising loan arrangement.
Zak Johnson has spent too long on the Sunderland bench
Zak Johnson is within touching distance of his league debut for Sunderland, having been on the bench 12 times already in this Championship season, but failing to make it onto the pitch.
He played the full 90 minutes of the Carabao Cup defeat to Preston North End in August, but turned out at right-back when his preferred role is at centre-back.
Le Bris could partner Johnson with someone like Chris Mepham at the heart of defence against Stoke, leaning on the more experienced defender to guide his young star through the game.