Jack Ross has hailed the impact of Sunderland's Swedish prospect Benji Kimpioka ahead of tonight's EFL Trophy game against Carlisle United.

The under-23 star is likely to feature against the Cumbrians after impressing not only in the youth set-up, but also in the previous EFL Trophy game against Stoke City Under 21s.

He's even made his league debut recently, coming on briefly in the 2-2 draw with Peterborough and Ross revealed he's had an eye on the player's development for some time now.

"I've watched as many of the U23 games as I can get to and now I think he is probably better suited to playing in a more central role because he is so off-the-cuff," he told the Chronicle Live.

"When I've watched him for the Under 23s, he can have spells where he has two or three minutes of doing brilliant things, and then two or three minutes where we don't see him."

The Scot is often at Sunderland's Under 23 games watching the younger players develop and Kimpioka's performances have convinced him that the Sweden Under 18 international is one with a big future at the Stadium of Light.

"He's young, he's still learning, and I like him - I think he's got good attributes. He's pretty laid-back and he has got something about him, I think you can see that. He's been in and around the squad for the last two or three games and the Checkatrade Trophy gives him another opportunity to get some more game time at first-team level."

The Verdict

Kimpioka could be the next Josh Maja or Joel Asoro, such is the impact he's having at under-23 level. It's exciting for Sunderland because of the level of football they're playing, there's a thought these players are more likely to break through.

After all, it is easier to risk a player for half an hour against Bristol Rovers than it is against Leeds United.

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