Sunderland youth chief Kevin Ball believes manager David Moyes will give their young players a chance.

Ball, who was instrumental in the creation and evolution of the Academy of Light, sees Moyes as a man brave enough to trust even more of its products to handle the tough environment of a potential Premier League relegation battle.

“I think you have to look at the situation now at the club," said Ball to the Sunderland Echo.

“Over the years we've had a lot of good (Academy) players but the opportunity for them hasn't necessarily been there, for a number of reasons.

“But with David Moyes, the opportunity is there. He's saying: 'If you're good enough, I'll give you the chance' – which as an academy coach, is what I would want to hear."