Sunderland youngsters could stake claim with Régis Le Bris in York opener | OneFootball

Sunderland’s trip to York City on Saturday could reveal which Academy of Light prospects are edging closest to Régis Le Bris’s first-team plans.

They visit the LNER Community Stadium, with mixed fitness likely to bring rotation. According to Sunderland Echo, selection and minutes may matter more than the result.

Versatile 19-year-old Jenson Jones is a leading candidate after time with the seniors last season. He can play either full-back or midfield, and has featured in the Carabao Cup and on Premier League benches.

Goalkeeper Joe Cowan, 16, is highly rated and could gain valuable experience by travelling and working around the matchday set-up.

Midfielder Jaydon Jones, 19, can play as a six or an eight. Competition is fierce, with Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra and Enzo Le Fée already there and further recruits possible.

Trey Ogunsuyi, 19, added senior minutes on loan at Falkirk and Shrewsbury Town and can play centrally or from the right. His pace and movement could be useful, while another loan might be considered after pre-season.

Finn Geragusian, 18, combines height and power with technique and can operate wide or centrally. Pre-season could decide whether he stays near the first team, moves to under-21 level or goes on loan.

Jack Whittaker, 19, scored 11 goals with four assists for the under-21s and made the Premier League bench against Brighton. His versatility across the flanks, as a 10 or deeper, will be tested.

Not everyone will feature at York, and one outing would not mean promotion.

Source: Sunderland Echo