Sunderland face a tough task if they are to preserve their Championship status for next season and a lot could depend on how the younger players in the squad cope.

Chris Coleman had a very difficult January window and was forced to bring in several untried youngsters to join Sunderland's relegation battle.

Creative midfielder Ovie Ejaria arrived from Liverpool and will be playing competitive senior football on a regular for the first time. Similarly, Jake Clarke-Salter moved from Chelsea with only a brief spell in League One under his belt.

As well as that, academy graduates Joel Asoro and Joshua Maja will be expected to share the workload with 22-year old Ashley Fletcher up front.

Ethan Robson, George Honeyman and Lynden Gooch are yet more younger players who will have to make an impact in the midfield for the Black Cats.

Many observers would suggest that this is the wrong environment for these lads to develop as they will be under intense pressure to deliver given the situation.

One on hand, you have to agree as it’s a very demanding position to be put in. They may not be able to play their best football in a team that is low on confidence and struggling badly.

Alternatively, their fearless attitude and determination to succeed may rub off on the senior players and they could breath life into the club.

Either way, the youngsters will sink or swim in the next few months but should they fail then Sunderland are sure to be in League One.

Of course, there is no blame on these players who have been thrown in the deep end at the Stadium of Light.

It just goes to reinforce how badly the club have been run that they are reliant on half a dozen or so inexperienced kids to help keep them in the second tier.

Thoughts, Sunderland fans? Let us know in the comments below.