Sunderland make their return to the Premier League international cup when they face Athletic Bilbao at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening.
It marks a proud moment for the club’s academy, which has rebuilt steadily from the challenges it faced as a result of Sunderland’s back-to-back relegations from the Premier League to League One. It’s also a huge reward and opportunity for the players who performed so impressively in reaching the Premier League 2 play-off final last season.
It’s Sunderland’s first appearance in the competition since 2017, when they made it all the way to the final. There they were beaten 5-0 at the Stadium of Light by a quite outstanding Porto side, but making it that far was a superb achievement and the strength of the group was reflected in the careers they’ve been able to forge since. Here, we catch up with what came next for the 14 players who featured in that game and where they are now.
5. Lynden Gooch
Gooch had been part of David Moyes' plans for the campaign but wasn't playing regularly by this point. Was in and out of the side the following campaign but became a stalwart in multiple positions during the League One era. A vital part of that promotion and the campaign that followed as Sunderland surpassed all expectations to finish sixth. Sunderland sanctioned his departure for Stoke City last summer, a decision which left many fans disappointed. His versatility and experience were a big miss in the campaign that followed. Has played regularly for Stoke across numerous positions. Photo: Nathan Stirk
6. Tom Beadling
After spells with Dunfermline and then Barrow, Beadling has carved out a successful career in Australia with Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Getty Images
7. Elliot Embleton
Took longer than it should for Sunderland to give him his first-team chance but after his first loan at Grimsby, winning promotion to the Championship with Blackpool was the catalyst for his Black Cats career. Made significant contributions as Sunderland won promotion from league One, including scoring a stunning goal in the play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers. Started the Championship campaign well and looked a good fit for Tony Mowbray's style before a number of injuries checked his progress. Has returned to Blackpool on a permanent deal to try and get back to playing week in, week out. | Ian Horrocks
8. Ethan Robson
Was desperately unlucky with injury during his time at Sunderland, making nine senior appearances despite being rated highly by a number of managers. Joined Blackpool and played regularly as they won promotion, but moved to MK Dons in search of first-team football. Moved to Carlisle United this summer and will hope to get back quickly from a hamstring injury and push for his place there. | Getty Images