The Sunderland youngster closing in on a senior debut thanks to superb U23s form

Hawkes did not feature for Sunderland U23s on Friday as a brace from Mitchell Curry helped secure a hugely impressive 2-1 win over Wolves.

Phil Parkinson confirmed that this was due to his potential involvement with the senior squad for the cup games against Mansfield Town and Fleetwood Town.

Hawkes was signed after leaving Hartlepool United earlier this summer, and the attacking midfielder has made a big impression in Elliott Dickman’s side.

Having now won once in the league this season, they are now fourth in the Premier League 2 Division 2 table, with four wins from seven.

Elliot Embleton, Jack Diamond and Dan Neil all have a strong chance of featuring in the FA Cup first round on Saturday, with Parkinson then set to make even more significant changes on Tuesday night.

Both Sunderland and Fleetwood have already qualified for the next round of the Papa John’s Trophy, meaning Hawkes could be one of many from that group to be handed a chance.

It is likely to echo the group tie with Morecambe two years ago, when midfielder Jake Hackett was one of a number to be given their debut.

“Realistically, that Tuesday game, our thoughts at the moment are that because we've already qualified, and because a lot of the lads have done well in the U23s, we need to see if they can make that next step up,” Parkinson said.

“There's players we want to give that opportunity to against Fleetwood because I don't think there's a better time to do it.

“We've said all along that the idea of the U23s this year was to strengthen that team, but have players who felt could step in for us when required.

“Josh Hawkes is one of those.

“He's played at National League level, done well, got goals.

“The downside of course is that we sometimes take players away from that U23 team when they play, but Elliott Dickman and Michael Proctor totally get that.

“The most important thing is that transition for these players, between the U23s and senior football.”

With Conor McLaughlin and Tom Flanagan on international duty from Sunday, the Fleetwood game could also lead to opportunities for young defenders such as Oliver Younger.

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