This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Fan Perspective’ series, this content strand is where we deliver an opinion-based outlook from the perspective of a certain club's fanbase on the matter at hand…

Sunderland's defeat against Leicester City U23s was a disappointing result, but let's keep things in perspective.

While no one wants to see their side lose at home, it's worth remembering that the Black Cats have much bigger fish to fry this term.

Phil Parkinson hinted at ringing the changes and he didn't disappoint as he made eight alterations from the side who beat Southend United 1-0 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

It was still a starting eleven that had quality in it, but Parkinson's selection told the story of how highly he is prioritising the EFL Trophy.

The Black Cats have another cup clash this weekend where they take on Gillingham in the FA Cup, and it seems that even this is deemed a higher priority that the EFL Trophy.

An FA Cup run would not only give everyone associated with the club a boost, but it could also prove to be fruitful if the club can progress through a few round or even have a game televised.

However even the FA Cup pales into insignificance compared to the club's primary goal of securing promotion.

Phil Parkinson's side are currently sitting seventh in League One but have their hopes set much higher than that as they target automatic promotion to the Championship.

If the Black Cats are to do that then they'll need as many of their players fit and fresh as possible.

While defeat to Leicester City U23s doesn't end Sunderland's EFL Trophy hopes, it does mean that they'll need to pick up a victory over Scunthorpe if they're to progress to the next round.

However I'm sure that Phil Parkinson wouldn't lose too much sleep if they were to be knocked out of the competition as it would allow them to solely focus on putting together a strong run of results in the league.

Cup runs are nice, but for a club like Sunderland the only target has to be securing promotion to the Championship as a third season in League One is almost unthinkable for the club and their supporters.