Matt Craddock has explained why Sunderland believe teenage prospect Charlie Scorer is ready to be tested at under-21 level
Sunderland under-21s boss Matt Craddock has explained why 16-year-old Charlie Scorer has already been pushed into football well above his age group.
Scorer made his under-21 debut during Wednesday’s 1-1 Premier League International Cup draw with PSV at the Stadium of Light, replacing goalscorer Felix Scott late in the game.
The teenager was not simply handed a few ceremonial minutes, either. With 10 minutes of stoppage time added, Scorer had time to settle into the contest and nearly produced a winner, cutting in from the byline before forcing PSV goalkeeper Stijn Kuijsten into a fine save. Craddock says Sunderland deliberately wanted to expose Scorer to the level while the school summer holidays gave the academy more time to work with him.
“Brilliant,” Craddock said when asked about his debut. “It’s really important for us that we push our young players, our young, high-potential players. And Charlie’s one of them. I wanted to make sure we had that opportunity for him today.
“Obviously, he’s off school with the summer holidays, so it’s a prime time for us to get him in and around us. And listen, it’s a big stretch for him. But he came on; he was brave. He had a few good touches. He stayed connected out of possession. Really good.”
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Sunderland have made a point of accelerating their better academy prospects when staff believe they can cope with the challenge rather than keeping players rigidly within their own age groups. Scorer’s debut came in a side containing senior defender Aji Alese, as well as several players much further along in their academy careers.
That mixture is part of Craddock’s plan for the under-21 group this season, with younger players being challenged alongside those with greater physical and senior experience. There will be tougher afternoons as Scorer continues to step up levels and Sunderland will manage his workload carefully.
Craddock’s verdict on Scorer after the final whistle was clear enough. Sunderland believe Scorer is capable of being stretched, and his first taste of under-21 football ended with the teenager looking comfortable enough to nearly decide the game in his side’s favour.
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