U21s to play in European competition Published: 15 October, 2014 by Stuart Vose Development squad included in new Premier League tournament. Sunderlandâs U21 side will rub shoulders with their European counterparts in the newly-launched Premier League International Cup. The four-group tournament pits Barclays U21 Premier League sides against Continental opposition, including development teams from Germany and Spain. Sunderland, who qualified for the competition by virtue of their U21 league finish last season, have been drawn in Group D which includes Spanish side Villarreal. They will also take on Scottish champions Celtic as well as domestic counterparts Everton. Academy manager Ged McNamee told safc.com: âThis is a great opportunity for our players to gain experience against international counterparts. âItâs another aspect of the learning process and it will be fantastic for the lads to be able to take on European sides.â Chelsea, Norwich, Fulham, West Ham, Leicester and Manchester City are the other English clubs taking part in the competition. The tournament begins this evening when West Ham take on Athletic Club Bilbao, with further fixtures to be confirmed in due course. Group stage matches will be completed by the end of January 2015 and all games, including those between European sides, will take place in England. All clubs will play the other sides in their group once, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the knock-out stages. PREMIER LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL CUP GROUP DRAW Group A: Chelsea, Norwich City, Porto, Borussia Monchengladbach Group B: Fulham, West Ham United, Athletic Club Bilbao, PSV Eindhoven Group C: Leicester City, Manchester City, Benfica, Schalke 04 Group D: Everton, Sunderland, Celtic, Villarreal
