Sunderland chairman Stewart Donald has issued a message to manager Jack Ross regarding the futures of some of the club's young players.

The Black Cats boss has spoken to the Roker Report podcast via a report in the Sunderland Echo, and made the admission he has told manager Jack Ross not to play certain players if they aren't willing to accept new deals with the club.

Donald was speaking about a number of Sunderland youngsters who have yet to put pen to paper on new deals, including striker Benjamin Kimpioka.

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"I've said to Jack (Ross) and I've said to the staff, if they don't commit you're not allowed to play them, I don't want players who won't commit their future if we feel we are being fair with them with regards to the offers", Ross said.

As well as Kimpioka, Donald was also talking about fellow youngsters Denver Hume and Elliott Embleton, but seemed more confident that the young duo would put pen to paper, while remaining a bit more on the fence with regards to Kimpioka's future.

"My instinct is that Denver and Elliot, I'd very much hope that they would sign and sign quickly. Benji Kimpioka, we've put a deal to him, his agent is more difficult but I've had a very straight forward conversation, which is a conversation that I've had with the entire staff," added the Black Cats boss.

Sunderland are sitting in third in League One and lost out in a thrilling encounter with Coventry City yesterday as the Sky Blues ran out 5-4 winners.

Donald is wary of the club losing young players like they did with Josh Maja in January, and his comments will no doubt be music to the ears of the Sunderland fans.

The Verdict

This is good and refreshing to hear from Donald, who has seemingly had enough of players and agents taking his club for granted.

It's a strong message and one what can reverberate around the squad you would hope.

Donald is a good owner, and one who cares, and it's clear he has the club's best interests at heart with these comments.