Sunderland fans are all saying the same thing about this Phil Parkinson decision at Fleetwood

As expected, Parkinson has named a young side and has handed opportunities to a number of under-23 players.

And the decision to hand youth a chance has gone down well with supporters on social media – here’s what they had to say…

@KingMaguire1 posted: “Well done Parky”

@Philip_RJ89 added: “Wahey! The ‘showing faith in youth policy’ finally comes to fruition, albeit in a game with little riding on it. Still, it’s a chance for them to impress. I shall predict a 3-2 victory to us”

@braddfearnleyy said: “U23 FC, Josh Hawkes looks like he could be some player!”

@Nicholaswilso11 commented: “Neil, diamond and embleton oh my word “

@tjbrown__ tweeted: “Get in lads”

@HinnyMaven added: “Excellent, let’s see what the young’uns can do”

@andy_copywriter joked: “Looks like the youngsters are getting a pizza the action tonight...”

@Jam_Sarny said: “I think it would've been nice to see leadbitter in the middle of this side to guide the youngsters (instead of Dobson), but still quite an exciting side nevertheless. Always good to see the young lads given a chance... despite it being in the stuffed crust cup”

@Bencainss posted: “Hoping the boys do the business tonight”

@SaraPickering6 commented: “That looks good. Nothing riding on this game so let's give the youngsters a go”

Sunderland XI: Patterson; Willis, Taylor, Younger; Diamond, McFadzean, Hawkes, Neil, Dobson; Embleton, O’Brien

Sunderland subs: Richardson, Steels, Wilding, Curry, Almond, Wearne, Dunne