Sunderland youngsters aim to impress Régis Le Bris in York opener | OneFootball

Sunderland’s pre-season opener at York City on Saturday could give academy prospects a chance to impress Régis Le Bris.

According to Sunderland Echo, the LNER Community Stadium trip is likely to bring rotation as fitness builds, with selection and minutes instructive and the result secondary.

Nineteen-year-old Jenson Jones, highly rated by the head coach, can play full-back or midfield. He has featured in the Carabao Cup and been on several Premier League benches.

Goalkeeper Joe Cowan, 16, is seen as a long-term prospect. Early friendlies often let young keepers train with the seniors and sample the matchday warm-up.

Midfielder Jaydon Jones, 19, has progressed steadily and can operate as a six or an eight. Competition is fierce, with Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra and Enzo Le Fée already in place.

Trey Ogunsuyi, 19, gained senior exposure on loan at Falkirk and Shrewsbury Town, and can play centrally or from the right. His pace and movement could suit second-half changes, and another loan may be weighed after pre-season.

Forward Finn Geragusian, 18, blends height and power with technical quality and can play wide or through the middle. Jack Whittaker, 19, scored 11 goals with four assists for the under-21s and made the Premier League bench at Brighton.

Others in the frame include Archie Lightfoot, Charlie Dinsdale, goalkeepers Ben Metcalf and Isaac Allan, and Bayley Hester. Timur Tuterov’s status is unclear, and one appearance would not guarantee promotion, but these games could show who edges towards the first team.

Source: Sunderland Echo