The appointment of Chris Coleman appears to have breathed new life into Sunderland, with the Black Cats picking up just their second win of the season at Burton Albion.
Coleman has installed a new found sense of belief and confidence into his side, and victory on Saturday is likely to drag the club out of the relegation zone.
The Black Cats are currently priced at odds of around 6/5 to get relegated down to League One, and you seriously have to worry for Coleman’s men.
Only Burton Albion and Bolton Wanderers are above them in the odds for relegation to the third tier, and Coleman has a big ask on his hands to try and revive the club’s fortunes.
Sunderland, who are sponsored by the Dafabet (Click here to read the Dafabet mobile app review), need to start picking up wins if they are to remain in the division.
Former boss Simon Grayson was forced to operate on a shoestring budget in the summer transfer window when he took over, something which many argue ultimately cost the former Preston manager his job.
Coleman will be forced to do the same in January, as he targets reinforcements, but with the former Wales boss offering youth a chance during his tenure of the national side, perhaps he will consider doing the same at The Stadium of Light.
With that in mind, here are two exciting prospects who could get a first-team call-up in the coming weeks…
Ethan Robson
Sunderland U-23 are enduring an equally disappointing season as their senior colleagues, and currently occupy the second to last spot in the Premier League 2 table.
Despite this however, 21-year-old midfielder Robson has shined, and his three goals from the middle of the park have gone a long way in keeping the young Black Cats in touch with the rest of the pack.
Robson is an assured, calm player who looks good on the ball, and Coleman will keep a close eye on him in the coming weeks if his side continue to struggle.
A blend of eager youth and experienced heads will keep Sunderland up this season, and Robson can certainly be considered the former.
The player has potential, and deserves a call-up soon.
Sam Brotherton
Would you believe me, Sunderland fans, if I told you you had an experienced international in your reserve side?
21-year-old Sam Brotherton has been with the Black Cats since the turn of the year, and is already a fully-fledged New Zealand international.
Appearing in numerous World Cup qualifiers for Russia 2018 before missing out on the playoff loss to Peru, Brotherton has a bright future with the All Whites, and deserves a shot with Coleman’s first-team.
The defender is extremely composed and good in the air, and could be ready for his first-team debut in the near future.
Spending a year at college in the US with the Wisconsin Badgers, Brotherton has come a long way to be on the verge of breaking into a Championship side, and should certainly be rewarded for his hard-work and progress.
Sunderland fans, is it time for youth to be introduced or should Coleman stick with experience? Have your say below…