Sunderland pre-season opens door for academy talents as Régis Le Bris weighs options | OneFootball

Sunderland’s pre-season could give Régis Le Bris a close look at Academy of Light prospects pushing for first-team chances.

According to Sunderland Echo, the friendlies are expected to help build fitness, assess senior options and, if merited, offer opportunities to selected youngsters.

Some youngsters have trained with the seniors, others arrive from strong under-21 campaigns aiming to impress in the coming weeks.

Defender Jenson Jones, 19, has signed a new two-year deal and is highly rated by Le Bris. Comfortable at full-back or in midfield, he has featured in the Carabao Cup and made Premier League benches.

Goalkeeper Joe Cowan, 16, is well regarded. He could train and travel with the senior group to gain experience, despite strong depth in that position.

Midfielder Jaydon Jones, 19, brother of former Sunderland player Harrison Jones, can play as a six or eight. With Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée and Habib Diarra ahead, any minutes would be valuable.

Forward Trey Ogunsuyi, 19, impressed on loans at Falkirk and Shrewsbury Town last season. Quick and direct, he plays centrally or from the right, while another loan may be considered.

Finn Geragusian, 18, is tall, powerful and technically sharp, able to play wide or centrally. He is weighing a new contract and wants pathway clarity, so meaningful involvement could help, while Jack Whittaker, 19, is in a similar position after an impressive under-21s season, and can play wide, as a ten or even an eight.

Source: Sunderland Echo