Sheffield Wednesday’s Jos Luhukay offers thoughts on Sunderland’s promotion chances

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Sheffield Wednesday beat Sunderland 2-0 in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay says Sunderland have the quality of a Championship side and he expects them to make an immediate return to the second tier following their relegation, the Sheffield Star report.

The Owls beat Sunderland 2-0 at the Stadium of Light in the Carabao Cup on Thursday, though it was an evenly-contested game between two sides who fielded several senior first-team players.

The Black Cats will have wanted to use the game as a marker to see how far they’ve come under newly-appointed manager Jack Ross, and the signs were good as they put on a decent display despite the defeat.

Talking to the Sheffield Star, Owls boss Luhukay believes the Mackems have plenty of quality in their side and should finish among the frontrunners for the League One title come next May.

“Sunderland have the quality of a Championship team,” said Luhukay.

“They have quality as individual players and also as a team. I watched Sunderland’s first two games and they made a good impression on me. This team should be very high in the league this season and could come back to the Championship next year.”

Certs for promotion?

Sunderland have started life in League One in a steady fashion, winning the opening day of the season against last season’s playoff semi-finalists Charlton Athletic before drawing 1-1 at Luton Town.

The north east club are by far the biggest in League One and are widely tipped to make an immediate return to the Championship, yet they must handle the expectations and form some sort of identity.

Jack Ross has sought to stamp his authority at the club with a host of new signings, including the impressive Dylan McGeouch and Charlie Wyke, thought it may take a while for his new side to properly click.

Sunderland are next in action against another of last season’s playoff semi-finalists, Scunthorpe United, and another victory will go some way to proving their promotion credentials.