Interim boss John Hewitson is looking forward to an 'exciting game' as Sunderland U21s kick start their Premier League 2 Division 2 campaign on home soil. The young Black Cats suffered late heartache last time out against Norwich City with a number of U21 regulars missing due to their pre-season tour in Canada.
Hewitson, who is the club’s Under-18 lead coach, has been overseeing the U21s development after Michael Proctor and Mike Dodds were promoted to the First Team set-up. The Black Cats will take on an Aston Villa side that drew 3-3 with Middlesbrough in their opening game of the season, but Sunderland are expected to field a more experienced side this evening.
“Our young side really stood up to the test in challenging circumstances at Norwich City, so Monday night’s game is an exciting one due to us now having everyone available for selection," Hewitson told safc. “We can call upon the players that performed admirably at Norwich, those that travelled to Canada and some new signings, which means we have great competition for places.”
Sunderland U21s vs Aston Villa U21s LIVE
He added: “From previous seasons, we once again expect Aston Villa to be one of the top teams in the league this year. It will be a tough game because they have some really talented individuals, but they will also be very organised in and out of possession
“It’s a test we are all looking forward to and one that we believe we can stand up to, so it’s up to the players to do that and hopefully it will lead to a positive result.”
READ NEXT:
- QPR boss Michael Beale praises Sunderland's front two, and gives his verdict on the Black Cats
- Alex Neil explains why he brought on Luke O'Nien ahead of Bailey Wright against QPR
- Alex Neil gives worrying update on Dan Ballard's injury, and says QPR 'got out of jail'
- Pritchard shines on a day that ended in disappointment: Sunderland 2-2 QPR ratings
- Sunderland 2-2 QPR report as goalkeeper Seny Dieng's late equaliser completes visitors' comeback
