Saturday 14 May 2016 12:37, UK
Sam Allardyce will give Sunderland's brightest young talents the chance to audition for a place in the club's future on Sunday.
The Black Cats won their fight against relegation after taking 11 points from five matches - confirming their Premier League status with victory over Everton in midweek - and with no pressure on their final match at Watford on Sunday, Allardyce will cast his eye over the next generation with a view to next season.
Sunderland's U21 side finished second in the Premier League U21 table and academy graduate Duncan Watmore could soon be joined on a regular basis by Jordan Pickford, George Honeyman, Tommy Robson and Rees Greenwood.
"My idea is to play some of our younger players because the 21s have had a great year," said Allardyce.
"Some of them need to play in the team on Sunday to see if they can cope at this level, when there's no pressure on in terms of points needed.
"That's not to say we're going there to lie down. I expect these lads to be able to compete at this level and show us there may be a place for them in our squad in the future.
"We need to find more young stars through the academy if we possibly can and the only way I can find out is if I try them in the team, that would be my way forward, to let the lads go out and express themselves.
"That would give me an indication if they are capable of coming in next season."
