Tony Mowbray’s message to U21 Sunderland duo amid squad concerns

Tony Mowbray’s message to U21 Sunderland duo amid squad concerns

Tony Mowbray sent a message to two U21 defenders who are awaiting their chance in the first team earlier this month.

So far this season, Tony Mowbray has stuck with his preferred pairing of Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien.

However, with fixtures stacking up along with the potential injury of Ballard has left Mowbray aware he will need to give others a chance at some point.

 

Therefore the message Mowbray sent to Jenson Seelt and Nectarios Triantis earlier this month is more vital than ever.

 

Mowbray insisted the two defenders must be ready to thrive when the inevitable day comes when there is an issue with the two first-choice players.
Mowbray’s message more prevalent than ever

Speaking after Sunderland‘s comfortable win over Watford, Mowbray sent a message, which was reported by the Sunderland Echo.

“You look at our defensive unit, Jenson and Triantis need to keep playing U21s football so that they can show me [that they’re ready],” Mowbray said.

“Somewhere down the line, our two centre halves have been immense but at some time… they won’t play 46 games a season, and so the other lads have to be ready.

 

“We have to keep giving them game time. It’s a very difficult balance between them being on the bench and not getting those minutes, then the next game comes around [quickly]. When do get those games you need in? It’s difficult because it can then impact the first team games, but those minutes are really important.

 

“I’ve said to them both, I know they signed to the club to play and progress their careers, but the two lads at the moment are real beacons to hold up to young professionals, really, with how they do that job.”