If true. We now have the luxury of being able to do this now we're safe:- Sunderland’s young guns are expected to be given their opportunity in this weekend’s final game of the season, with Premier League survival now assured.Dick Advocaat has been wary of involving the members of Sunderland’s Under-21 squad during the fight for survival, with the head coach adamant that the pressure of the relegation battle was no place for inexperienced heads. However, with Sunderland now mathematically safe after Wednesday night’s draw at Arsenal, the likes of Duncan Watmore, Tommy Robson and Liam Agnew could all be handed their Premier League debuts in Sunday’s curtain raiser at champions Chelsea. It is understood that Advocaat instructed several players in the U21s last week to be on stand-by to feature in case Sunderland were able to secure their survival before the end of the season. They included Watmore, who has been pushing hard for first-team involvement after six goals in his last six games for the U21s. Advocaat may not start any of the youngsters, but they will be involved on the bench, particularly as the ex-Holland manager’s options are thin on the ground. Jordi Gomez, Wes Brown and Liam Bridcutt are all on the treatment table, while Seb Larsson is expected to miss Sunday’s game after struggling with a knee injury during the closing stages at the Emirates. Advocaat may also opt against involving Lee Cattermole, with the midfielder on a disciplinary tightrope of 14 yellow cards. If Cattermole receives another booking at Chelsea, he will incur a three-game ban which will be triggered at the start of next season.
The vital experience of getting a right royal humping! And you know what? I don't give a ****! As long as they work their bollocks off to try and impress. If he picks Cattermole I'll be shocked mind. No brainer that one. I would like to see Whatmore start, but the rest can start from the bench and come on early second half.
According to reports Chelsea are playing some of their kids aswell. Our U21's have just beat there's so it shows what talent we have. It'll show our kids what kind of standard they need to achieve to be able to contend at the highest level and hopefully give them a massive incentive to train hard to get into the first team squad and be able to play against top clubs like Chelsea on a regular basis!
Sorry folks.....s/thg went wrong there. Oops ! Totally agree. Well reasoned post from STM & QQB. Bring em on....and bollox to the score (heavy defeat?). We're safe......take a heavy loss otherwise. Maybe we'll win: What more with 6 goals. Come on !!!!
I've just heard this morning that Terry is literally on the beach this week, so hopefully a few more of their first team squad will be as well. Would be good if it was a full U21 match, I think we beat them just recently.
I agree with blooding a few of the youngsters to give them a bit of experience. It's frustrating to me that despite the constant praise about our academy, precious few have actually gone on to make the breakthrough into the first team squad. I suppose it begs the question, are your youth scouts finding the right young talent?
Its the perfect opportunity, hope to see Watmore and Agnew get half a game, I would also like to see Whicks play center forward with perhaps Giacca in support, now is the time to try out a few new options / partnerships, while giving some of our older players a well earned rest.
Some of the youngsters will have to start I think - no Seb, Gomez, Bridcutt or Catts... That leaves just Rodwell as our only available senior CM, and Dick likes to play three Will be an interesting game, no doubt...
I don't want to make a rod for dick's back just as he's led us to survival. Let's just be pleased regardless of who plays and see what the new season brings. Every time we expect or demand someone pick someone it invariably ends in frustration. I love dick. I don't want disappointment to mar what he's done with us over the last couple of months so if he plays 11 John O'Sheas I'll be fine with it.
As someone said on here yesterday, I don't care if the lads stayed down in London for the rest of the week, enjoyed themselves and we get hammered on Sunday. Most teams are on the beach this Sunday and now we are as well I'm just gonna enjoy every minute of football on Sunday. I do hope the young'uns get some game time though and don't just warm the bench!
Ideal opportunity to blood them - no pressure and exposure to a large crowd. Can't see him playing Catts - if he gets booked he gets banned for the start of next season!
Fully agree, just saying it would be an ideal time to give the young guns a shot, but nothing can mar this week, I would have taken a point at the Gunners and a 10-0 hiding on Sunday if it it had been offered, and I like playing at manager , but I think we will play the season out with a bit of pride tbh. the team seams to want the boss to stay on and will be keen not to let him down. its all good mate no worries.
