Four promising youngsters who could break into Sunderland side
Sunderland U21 winger can be the next player to graduate to the first-team.But which other promising young players could have a first team future?
We take a look at some of Sunderland's young guns and those players which have a bright future under manager Sam Allardyce:
George Honeyman:
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Hide AdThe 21-year-old was sent out on loan to National League side Gateshead earlier this season featuring nine times and scoring once.
Honeyman has been a key player for the Under-21's in recent seasons with his dazzling performances.
The midfielder is a player who likes to get on the ball, creating chances for Mikael Mandron, who doesn't need a second invitation in front of goal.
Allardyce hasn't had a settled winger this season with Jeremain Lens, Fabio Borini and even Dame N'Doye unable to stamp their authority on a regular starting berth.
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Hide AdShould Sunderland drop into the Sky Bet Championship, Honeyman may have more chances to show what he can do.
Honeyman hasn't featured for Sunderland in the top flight although he did make an appearance in last season's FA Cup defeat to Bradford City.
Carl Lawson:
Lawson is another key figure in the Under-21 side, who like Honeyman, has been a star performer in Sunderland's title charge.
A striker who can also play out wide, Lawson has demonstrated this campaign that he is clinical in-front of goal and has plenty of confidence to run with the ball and get beyond his marker.
Tom Beadling:
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Hide AdBeadling has been with the academy since the age of 8 and has impressed all the way through his development.
John O'Shea and Wes Brown are entering the latter stages of their impressive careers and with Lamine Kone and Younes Kaboul playing in the heart of the Sunderland defence, Beadling could be a genuine contender to challenge the current pairing.
Maksymilian Stryjek:
Jordan Pickford has proved anything is possible this season, with encouraging displays against both Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Despite 4-1 defeats in both games, Pickford didn't let the occasion overshadow his performance and even had the Sunderland fans signing "Jordan Pickford, he's one of our own" at the Emirates.
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Hide AdPolish goalkeeper Stryjek must seize this opportunity and follow in the footsteps of Pickford.
Stryjek is another player who has produced positive performances in a fantastic season for the Under-21 side.