Niall Huggins will start his first game for Sunderland in over a year after multiple injury setbacks. The Black Cats' versatile defender lined-up alongside a young Under-21s side that kick starts their Premier League Cup campaign this evening.
Graeme Murty has a much younger squad at his disposal following Monday nights slender defeat to Leeds United. The new Under-21s boss was able to field nine first-team players against the Whites, but has just Huggins available this evening - scheduled for 45 minutes of action - with the first team in action against Wigan Athletic tomorrow.
Jacob Carney is the only Sunderland player to start that featured against Leeds earlier this week. Nathan Newall, who was among the substitutes on Monday, starts in defence.
Read more: Sunderland U21s vs Reading U21s LIVE
SAFC U21s XI: Carney, Huggins, Jessup, Crompton, Newall, Burke, Chiabi, Kachosa, Gardiner, Kelly, Thompson
Subs: Richardson, Robinson, Pye, Wilson, Scott
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