Kirchhoff and Denayer hand boost to Sunderland boss

Sunderland picked up their first point of the Checkatrade Trophy after a 1-1 draw with League One Dale - with the hosts picking up a bonus point after winning the penalty shoot-out.

Kirchhoff, who has been out with a hamstring strain since the penultimate match of pre-season, played the whole game along with Manchester City loannee Denayer.

David Moyes was watching on from the stands, with first team coach Robbie Stockdale taking charge of the game.

Stockdale said: “Jan is a good player and to get over that hurdle of 90 minutes can only do him good.

“We will see how he is over the next couple of days.

“It can only be a positive for the first team though and for Jan himself that he has that game under his belt.

“Jason too, this game was perfect for him.

“I spoke to them both before the game and said don’t think about this as just a normal development squad game, it is going to be real.

“You could tell the way their bench was getting animated with some of the things going on it meant lot to them.

“There is a fantastic prize at the end of the tournament and we are in it to win it.

“We didn’t get over the line but there were enough positives.”

Sunderland Under-23s took the lead in the 51st minute through 17-year-old Elliot Embleton’s superb left-footed strike from outside the area.

Dale captain Ian Henderson hit back seven minutes later from close range with the first group game ending all square.

Under the rules of the competition both teams get a point for the draw and