Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is unsure about the quality of their academy squad.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is a product of the Academy of Light, but not enough have come through it since. Yesterday Connor Oliver and David Ferguson ended their time at the club by joining Blackpool.

"That's why it was so hard to lose Jack Colback (to Newcastle United) because he represented the club and the academy," said Poyet.

"We're trying but it's not going to be easy.

"It's a challenge and without any doubt we need to produce that. It's up to us and we can't blame anyone else. At some stage, somebody has to stand up and do well. It doesn't need to be a midfielder.

"There are four or five who're getting closer. I don't know if they're going to go straight into the first team, maybe they'll need a loan first, but getting that is key for any team in the Premier League with the way the finances are nowadays.

"You need to produce players from your academy.

"It should be easier for a kid from Sunderland to come through the academy here than it is for a kid from Chelsea. The possibility is there, but it's up to the kid as well."