Boro game sold out; U23 European Final date announced; Moyes discusses Pickford’s future

SAFC today announced that the club’s upcoming game away to Middlesbrough has sold-out - once again confirming the fantastic levels of support for the club. The game, which takes place a week from today: Wednesday 26 April (KO 7.45pm), will be played at the Riverside stadium where David Moyes’ men will be battling for their first win since January.

It really does speak volumes about the passion and dedication of our fans when we consistently send thousands of fans across the country despite finding ourselves constantly embroiled in a relegation battle. Bravo, Ladies and Gents.

Another positive piece of news is that travel to the game is to be funded by the club:

Sunderland AFC will be providing complimentary buses from the Stadium of Light to the Riverside (and return).

Supporters must book their place in advance by contacting the ticket office on 0191 5515004, between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Departure times will be confirmed at a later date.

Canny!

The club today also announced the time and venue of the upcoming Premier League International Cup final fixture which will see our young Lads take on the youth prospects of Portugal’s FC Porto.

The game will in fact be played at the Stadium of Light, and will be held on Wednesday 17 May, with kick-off set at 7pm.

Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images

In a season where injuries have genuinely blighted our campaign, several U23 starlets where given a chance on the big stage. Joel Asoro, George Honeyman and Lynden Gooch have all found some game time whilst the likes of Josh Maja, Elliot Embleton and Ethan Robson have gained valuable match-day experience providing options from the bench.

A lot has been said about the club’s youth set-up, both good and bad; however, this game gives the club the opportunity for our young talent to show their worth ahead of what looks like relegation to the EFL Championship. Will anyone stand out and pique David Moyes’ interest?

The young Lads have beaten teams such as PSV, Benfica and Athletic Bilbao en route to the final, and will undoubtedly be itching to claim the trophy.

Ticket news for the game will be announced shortly by the club. But let’s pack the place out and urge the Lads on to victory.

And finally, David Moyes has been discussing the future of Sunderland’s homegrown goalkeeping talent, Jordan Pickford.

Interest from Manchester City led Moyes to come forth and discuss the matter, noting that:

It would be a backward step if he wasn't going to be a No.1 keeper.

I don't think it would do him any good at all if he was to spend a season as a No.2.

City won’t be the only team chasing Pickford this summer, and considering there is a good chance that we will be relegated then a possible sale isn’t totally out of the question. Pickford would command a hefty transfer fee - a young, British keeper who is outstanding would certainly be worth a large sum of money; his sale could reduce debt or indeed finance signings required for this summer’s inevitable rebuild.

And on Pickford’s worth, Moyes said:

The difference with Jordan is he's young and he's under contract, but he is good enough to play for just about any club.

Will the North East’s number one raver be leaving for pastures new this summer? We’ll have to wait and find out.