Sunderland are in the middle of a difficult spell at present, but one thing that they can be proud of is the young players coming through the ranks.

The Black Cats have a talented crop of stars who are developing at the Stadium Of Light, and there's no doubt that everyone around Wearside has high hopes for them.

Phil Parkinson is one man who will be hoping that the crop of young players at the club will come of age sooner rather than later.

The Wearsiders sit in ninth position in League One at the moment, eight points behind the division's top two.

But who are the players who could be the future stars at the Stadium Of Light? We take a look at the players who could be worth millions in the future.

The 19-year-old has been a regular with the Black Cats’ U23 team so far this season and has been particularly impressive. Patterson is yet to make his first team debut but has been named on the bench a number of times so far this term, including for the League One victory over Southend United. Goalkeeping coach Lee Butler has tipped Patterson to be as good as Jordan Pickford, meaning that Sunderland could have another £30m- plus starlet on their hands.

The 22-year-old has been a central player for Sunderland so far this term.

A regular in midfield alongside Max Power, Dobson has certainly made his mark for the Black Cats this season and is one who looks capable of improving significantly in the coming season.

If the midfielder can fulfil that potential, there's no doubting that he could be a valuable player in seasons to come.

He's been a key player for much of this season, and the 23-year-old still has plenty more to offer.

Currently out with an ankle ligament injury, Sunderland fans will be hoping to welcome the American back to action sooner rather than later in order to get the season back on track.

Could be massive for Sunderland this term.

The 21-year-old has made quite an impression on the Sunderland fans this term.

Hume has established himself as the club's first choice left back, and certainly looks like a player who is capable of playing at a higher level than League One.

Sunderland will be hoping to secure promotion, otherwise Hume is likely to be a player in demand.

He might not be one of the youngest players in the squad, but the 24-year-old is certainly one of Sunderland's more valuable assets.

The full-back turned attacking midfielder has been one of the Black Cats' best players since arriving at the club and is certainly one who would be more at home in the Championship.

You'd imagine that if Sunderland were to sell, O'Nien would arguably be the player to attracted the biggest fee.