'OMG', 'Didn't see that coming' - Sunderland fans react as Johnson hands out league debut vs Rochdale

The Black Cats beat Swindon Town 1-0 in midweek to continue their impressive run of form, and a victory against the Dale could see them move up to third in the table, depending on results elsewhere.

For their part, Rochdale are currently second from bottom in League One, and were beaten 2-0 by Hull City on Tuesday night.

With that in mind, Johnson has made a pair of changes to his starting XI, with a first league appearance for 21-year-old defender Oliver Younger. Fellow starlet Josh Hawkes is also on the bench.

The other alteration sees Aiden O’Brien return to the side, with Lynden Gooch and Josh Scowen making way.

We’ve gathered some of the best reactions from supporters below:

@aureolaboraleos tweeted: “Omg wowowowow”

@davis0688 tweeted: “Well, didn’t see that coming with Ollie Younger. But our full squad is needed at the minute so why not give the lad a go? Interested to see how we set up”

@LdoubleEE_87 tweeted: Pleased to see Oliver Younger starting, been impressed with him every time I’ve seen him and deserves a chance”

@swainyFTM tweeted: “Buzzing for Younger, nice to see Hawkes if he comes on. Take pressure off Wyke”.

@ConnorM1702 tweeted: “Huge day for Younger, clearly a test game, ahead of a likely Wembley start next weekend”.

@_harrymcbeth tweeted: “Ollie Younger dub”

@jpsleightholme tweeted: “Nice one Lee!”.