Sunderland forward Fabio Borini has been impressed by the youngsters who have joined the first team at the club’s Austrian training camp.
Nine academy players in total have joined up with the seniors for their 10-day intensive training regime.
They include recent debutants Tommy Robson, Rees Greenwood and George Honeyman as well as others who are highly rated - such as Lynden Gooch, Tom Beadling and Josh Maja.
Three training sessions a day with a mixture of a different activities are ensuring that high fitness levels are achieved ahead of the opening day of the season.
The stars of tomorrow
Borini told the club's official website that he has been very impressed by the attitude of the youngsters during pre-season, also sharing the belief that they can make a big impact during the coming season.
“The lads are enjoying it but especially the young boys because it is a great experience for them to be here with us,” he said.
Borini continued, saying that the players have “enjoyed” the hard intense training and have “worked hard,” enjoying the atmosphere as well as “each other’s company.”
He also admitted that Austria was a very beneficial trip and has praised his Sunderland teammates for their willingness to learn.
The main aim is to now “continue that hard work” into the coming season, particularly the “young lads.” They will be looking to push on to the first team having settled in well, and Borini is impressed that they are always open to “suggestions” to continue to grow as talented young players.
Elephant in the room
The players jetted back to Wearside on Friday ahead of their two domestic friendlies against Hartlepool United on Wednesday and Rotherham United on Saturday.
The future of Sam Allardyce being Sunderland manager is still on uncertain though after he flew home early from the training camp, leaving the backroom staff to handle things as he held talks with the FA over the currently vacant England job.