Benjamin Kimpioka and Jack Diamond seem to have impressed Sunderland manager Jack Ross during the match against the Aston Villa Under-23 side on Monday.
The Black Cats will return to action in a few hours’ time when they take on Peterborough United at the Stadium of Light in League One.
Kimpioka and Diamond were in action for the Sunderland Under-23 side against their Villa counterparts at Eppleton CW, Hetton.
Sunderland Under-23 manager Dickman has suggested that 18-year-old winger Kimpioka and 18-year-old centre-forward Diamond could be included in the Black Cats’ senior side this evening after boss Ross watched them in action against Villa.
“Benji was always going to play 45 minutes tonight and I think he’s in the first-team squad for tomorrow night for the game against Peterborough,” Dickman told The Sunderland Echo.
“That’s fantastic for Benji, I think he deserves it, he’s probably been one of our better players throughout the season.
“I think Jack Diamond might be in the squad, I’m not sure if he’ll make the bench or not but again he’s in the squad after playing 90 minutes tonight.
“The manager and first-team staff were here tonight so they’ve obviously seen something, even if it’s just the experience of being around the senior side, in the warm-up, in the changing room or being on the pitch, it’s important for any young player’s development.”
Encouraging
While it is hard to see Kimpioka or Diamond start for Sunderland this evening, it is very encouraging that the two teenagers will be in the squad at least.
Sunderland do need young players to take the club forward, and it is great for the Black Cats that manager Ross is taking note of youngsters who are doing well at the Under-23 level.
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