Sunderland U23s discover International Cup fate as new signing vows to improve

Embleton's winner sent Sunderland into the semi-finals

The Black Cats take on Norwich City, though a date for the game is yet to be set.

The game must be played before April 15, with Swansea City hosting the other semi-final against Porto.

Sunderland earned their place in the final after an impressive 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao last month. Ethan Robson and Elliot Embleton were on the scoresheet and both are likely to play key roles in the semi-final.

A number of players who have been involved in the first-team set-up are also likely to involved, including attackers Joel Asoro and Josh Maja.

Opponents Norwich advanced to the last four with an emphatic 6-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb.

Swansea beat Hertha Berlin 5-1 in their quarter-final. while Porto were 2-0 winners over Manchester United.

Another Black Cats youngster who could be involved in the semi-final clash is Sam Brotherton.

The 20-year-old from New Zealand joined the club the day after the January transfer window slammed shut, and finally made his first appearance in the 5-3 defeat to Burnley in the Premier League Cup on Monday.

Brotherton was thrilled to be on the field but has vowed to improve from his debut performance.

He told safc.com head of tomorrow’s trip to Blackburn in the final League Cup sectional tie (noon kick-off): “It was a hard match and a day to forget for all of us.

“I was happy to be out on the field because I have been here for a few weeks now and, in that time, I have done a lot of training.

“It was good to get some game time, but obviously it was a day that could’ve gone a lot better.

“There will be a bit of a transition period as I settle into the team, but there can’t be any excuses at the same time.

“I could’ve done better against Burnley, I hold my hands up to that, but I need to make sure I do (better against Blackburn),

“One thing about football that is good is that you always get a chance to redeem yourself and put things right.

“The next game comes around so quickly so I have got an opportunity to put things right.”