The latest news from Sunderland U21s ahead of another big European night, writes Peder Leufstedt Nyström

Following a remarkable 7-1 win against Athletic Club, Sunderland Under-21s return to the Stadium of Light on Thursday as they host Sporting Lisbon in the Premier League International Cup.

Head coach Graeme Murty’s side currently sit second in Group D and will look to build on their strong European form in pursuit of progressing from the group stage after falling short last season. A positive result against the Portuguese giants would significantly strengthen their push for the knockout rounds and maintain the momentum generated over a promising start to the campaign.

Murty was full of praise for his squad following the victory over Athletic Club. “The players showed outstanding quality and application throughout the match,” He continued to highlight the work the team has put into their offense. “We’ve been working hard on our attacking patterns and being clinical in front of goal, and it was great to see that come through.”

The lead coach has previously asserted his desire to perform in the international competition, while also recognising it is an opportunity for Sunderland’s younger talent to gather new experiences. “I think when you talk to anyone who's in professional sport, they want to win. I want to win. I'm desperate to win. I'm desperate for our young players to do really well,” he continued.

“I think you know me well enough to know that if we can get more opportunities for our young players to experience something like this, I think it would be a fantastic thing. The further we can progress in lots of different competitions, the better for them. The more time we get to actually work with them.”

The team selection will be one of the main talking points ahead of Thursday’s clash, as several senior players featured in the win over the Spanish side. Luke O’Nien, Dan Neil and Dennis Cirkin all contributed to the result and their presence provided leadership and experience, particularly valuable for younger squad members. However, it remains to be seen whether Murty will once again select any of the first-team players who helped the first team secure their Premier League promotion last season.

The young Sunderland side previously earned a 2–2 draw with Anderlecht, after a late equaliser by the 20-year-old striker Timur Tuterov. The Ukrainian forward continues to impress, as he also scored the third goal in the win against Athletic Club. Alongside him, midfielder Ben Middlemas has emerged as another standout performer, offering support in central areas.

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Murty was keen to highlight both players’ performances and the responsibility he expects from the pair. “They played alongside some really experienced players, but they have to be able to stand on their own two feet, and I think they showed they’re more than capable of doing that,” he said.

“And I don’t think it was just those two. We’ve got a group capable of making a step. Whoever makes that step isn’t down to us, but all the players can do is approach every game in the right manner. I thought they were exceptional at that.”

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Looking ahead to Sporting, Murty expressed a clear sense of anticipation within the squad and he made no attempt to hide his excitement ahead of facing the Portuguese side. “The players are really eager to do well in this competition,” he said.

“It’s a chance to test ourselves against some of Europe’s best youth sides, and everyone is excited about the challenge of facing Sporting Lisbon next.”

Sporting arrive to the North East following a defeat to group leaders Leeds United, but they still remain a formidable opponent. The Portuguese side is renowned for producing elite academy talent (as they once upon a time produced Ballon d'or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo as well as Nani and Ricardo Quaresma) and their technical quality is expected to pose a challenge for the young Sunderland team.

The Lisbon under 21s currently find themselves second last in a table that is slightly skewed due to games in hand. The game takes place at the Stadium of Light (KO 7pm).

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