Sunderland’s strong squad options on show against Brentford.

Sunderland legend and former captain Gary Bennett believes the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Premier League rivals Brentford shows the strength in depth Regis Le Bris now has available.

The Black Cats beat Brentford 3-2 at the Stadium of Light, with Chemsdine Talbi, Timur Tutierov and Malick Fofana on target – and right-winger Jocelin Ta Bi having a hand in all three goals for Le Bris’ much-changed team. Callum Wilson pulled one back within three minutes, tapping in off the bar from four yards out, after Vitaly Janelt’s scuffed shot had fallen to him.

Igor Thiago set up a thrilling finish when goalkeeper Melker Ellborg failed to deal with his header in the fourth minute of five added on at the end of the contest. However, the Black Cats held on to book a place in the last eight of the competition for the first time in five years – when they were a League One team.

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Reflecting on the win, Bennett told BBC Radio Newcastle: “Le Bris got it spot on but you also have to give credit to Brentford. They will look back on that game wondering if they could've forced a draw or even won it because they did have some opportunities. It was definitely an improvement in defence for Sunderland. It was a learning curve for the majority of the players and there were some excellent performances.

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"Malick Fofana will grow in confidence after getting his first goal with that header. Jocelin Ta Bi was the player who stood out most. He was outstanding in everything he did, especially going forward. He was involved in all three goals and he will only get better. It is a performance that will do him the world of good.

"It goes to show how much strength in depth and quality we have. They all did well, but are any of them pushing for [the] starting XI against Coventry City? I wouldn't think so. The only player pushing a starting place is Habib Diarra. He played 45 minutes, which will do him the world of good, and he is looking fit. Dayann Methalie also did well out there at left-back. He is strong, quick and aggressive. He is another young player who will develop with time. They did themselves no harm at all with that performance."

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