The curtain on Sunderland’s decade long stay in the top flight was finally drawn at the end of April, bringing in a wave of uncertainty over the future of the football club.

One absolute though is that Sunderland’s squad will undergo a major face-lift as a hoard of personnel look set to depart the Stadium of Light.

At the time of writing Ellis Short has yet to clarify the club’s strategy and intention in regards to player recruitment, or even the manager who will oversee such dealings. It would seem however, that some of the under 23 side who reached the final of the International Premier League Cup (losing 5-0 to Porto B), could well be utilised and some are almost certain to see more of the first team picture.

Here are THREE possible candidates for graduation in the full squad who could play some part in Sunderland’s pursuit of an immediate return to the top flight.

Tom Robson – Left back

Having spent half of the season on loan at League of Ireland side, Limerick, the 21-year-old full back will be eager to add to his solitary first team bout which came away at Watford on the final day of the 2015/16 season.

Brian Oviedo will more than likely continue to be ever present at left back, and with areas of the squad almost certain to be completely depleted by summer outgoings, recruiting a back up for Oviedo will be of low priority to whoever it may be in charge .

This could open the door for Robson as he reaches ‘now or never’ territory in his Sunderland career.

Tom Beadling- Centre Back

One of the few under 23’s with Football League experience, having spent the back end of last season on loan at League One Bury. A no nonsense centre half, who’s yet to appear for the first team, could make his first team bow this campaign.

Lamine Kone is very doubtful to appear in Sunderland colours again, as is out-of-contract Jolean Lescott , whilst summer signing Papy Djilibodji seems to have disappeared from the fold altogether after a string of catastrophic errors. This leaves Sunderland quite short of centre halves and Beadling’s Football League experience, albeit brief, could stand him in good stead for a first team call.

The stewardship of veteran John O’Shea could do wonders for 21-year-old’s game.

Joel Asoro- Striker

One of the hottest prospects in the under 23’s and really caught the eye of the recently unemployed, David Moyes. The forlorn Scot handed Asoro two first team appearances in the early stages of last season, one as a late sub in the Premier League game at home to Middlesbrough and subsequently started the EFL Cup tie against Shrewsbury the next week.

The Swedish forward has been nominated for the Golden Boy, a prize that has been won by Lionel Messi and Paul Pogba in the past. Sunderland look almost certain to lose Jermaine Defoe and Victor Anichebe’s future is clouded in doubt, which would leave The Black Cats without a senior striker.

Asoro is a shoo-in to be involved in some capacity next season.