http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2014/july/youngsters-join-squad-in-portugal Development squad members set for another opportunity in tonight's friendly. Following their game against Boston United over the weekend, a number of members of the under-21 side linked up with Sunderland's first team squad on the Algarve. The youngsters, who have been joined by coach Robbie Stockdale, impressed against Carlisle and Hartlepool and will now be given an opportunity to play in Portugal. Mikael Mandron scored the winner against the Cumbrians at Brunton Park before an U21 side produced a superb performance after being introduced in the second half at Hartlepool, scoring three goals without reply. Tonight's opponents finished eighth in the Spanish second division last year and are managed by Jose Luis Oltra. The game is the first of two in as many days for Gus Poyet's side, who face Madeira-based Portuguese outfit CD Nacional on Wednesday evening. Nacional finished fifth in the Portuguese top flight last season, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. The 10-day trip will then be rounded off with a third game, against Portuguese top-flight side Vitoria Setubal on Saturday. Your official website will be carrying full coverage, including a live blog and social updates from the Estadio Muncipal de Albufeira, plus full post-match reaction and highlights. A one-minute video round-up will be available in the hours following the game, with 10 minutes of extended highlights to follow on Wednesday. Was a bit worried how we were planning on playing 3 games in 4 days
This is good news, lets see a couple of these youngsters get a chance to impress, they need to be encouraged, but we must also to add some quality to the team in key positions before the window closes, as we don't want to be praying for miracles again if we can avoid it. I am also quietly confident this will be done, and we will have a good season, with safety and a cup run the bench marks.
