Sunderland booked their place in the quarter final of the Carabao Cup with a win over Brentford

Régis Le Bris praised his young Sunderland side for a 'really good performance' to book their place in the Carabao Cup quarter final on Wednesday night.

Despite making eight changes, Brentford boss Keith Andrews picked a strong side packed with Premier League experience and at times in the game their quality showed. Régis Le Bris made eleven changes but his inexperienced side took a three-goal lead with a blistering twelve minutes of counterattacking football in the first half.

Goals from Callum Wilson and Igor Thiago made for a nervy end to the game from the Black Cats but they held on to seal their place int he next round.

Le Bris said the result was the reward for the character and discipline of his side.

"The first hour, especially," Le Bris said.

"It was a really good performance from our side against a really strong side, a proper Premier League team with good players and a strong bench. The lads showed what we expect from them: discipline, hard work, a good connection, a willingness to defend together, and we can score and play good football with talented players.

"We have a new challenge to embrace, a second year in the Premier League, the Europa League, the Carabao Cup, many young players, it's a process. Winning is not a straight line and you have to go through difficult moments. It's really powerful because we have good players and you have to show character and discipline and it was the first reward this evening."

Sunderland have been drawn against Crystal Palace in the quarter final, and will travel Selhurst Park for the tie. The tie will take place during the week commencing December 14th, concluding a challenging run for the Black Cats who will have faced Liverpool, Newcastle United and AC Milan on the road in the weeks previous. They face Nottingham Forest at home before the tie, and then face Crystal Palace at home in the league the following weekend.

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RLB issues Sunderland injury update

Le Bris also confirmed that Juan Riquelme was absent from the squad due to a knock he picked up in an U21s game with Newcastle United on Monday evening.

The positive news for Sunderland is that Thomas Meunier made his comeback from injury in the game and that Wilson Isidor is now closing in on a return.

"Juan got a kick at the end of the first half in the Newcastle game for the U21s so he wasn't available. Thomas is really important. A great player. Incredible mentality, discipline and we need this kind of player. Wilson is really close to being back with the team. He has trained with the squad this week so good news for him."

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