Cats coach hails spirit of battling young guns

LEAD coach Graeme Murty was full of praise for his Sunderland U21s after they came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against Anderlecht.

- By CLIVE YOULTON Football writer

The point was achieved in their opening Group D fixture of the Premier League International Cup, played at the Stadium of Light.

"I'm really proud of the way the lads bounced back twice," Murty told safc. com.

"It's a real test of character to play against a team like Anderlecht, who are not only a European club but compete week-in, week-out in a senior professional league back in Belgium.

"For our younger players to experience that level, and alongside our first-team players, it's an incredible learning curve."

Murty reflected on the blend of youth and experience in his squad: "We've got some senior pros in the team, players like Anthony Patterson, Luke O'Nien, Brian Brobbey and Eliezer Mayenda and for the younger lads, it's about learning from them on the pitch.

"Pre-match prep, game management, understanding the flow of a high level fixture - all of these things are invaluable."