Sunderland Under-21s have been one of the shining lights for the club this season as they look to reach the latter stages of the Premier League 2 play-offs on Monday night.

Graeme Murty's side finished the regular campaign in seventh place, ensuring a spot in the play-offs and bringing European football to Wearside next season, before coming through a last 16 clash with Wolves last Monday in emphatic fashion.

Despite going behind to a defensive mistake at Eppleton, Murty's side were by far the better side and ran out 4-1 winners in the end. Their style of play, brand of football and moments of individual brilliance has caught the eye of those fans who've watched them this season.

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Young striker Trey Ogunsuyi is the latest success story, with the 17-year-old scoring his first goal at Premier League 2 level in the win over Wolves. 

The Belgian youth international was part of the Sunderland side who gave a good account of themselves in the FA Youth Cup earlier this season, before stepping up from Under-18s into the Under-21s.

Despite his initial struggles, Ogunsuyi was one of the standout performers in the win over the Wolves, his goal nothing short of what he deserved.

“I thought he was very good and he’s only a young man playing against significantly older and more mature athletes," Murty said after the full-time whistle. "It’s really sometimes very difficult as a lone striker against three, but his hold up play has improved immeasurably, he’s using his body an awful lot better.

“The pleasing thing for the goal is not necessarily the fact he’s scored but his understanding and support, the way he’s brave enough to stay on the ball. He works his receiving skills that we’ve worked so hard on and he thoroughly deserved his goal, so we are really pleased for him to get his first goal and hopefully it will be the first of many.”

The young forward will be hoping to make the number nine shirt his own at U21s level, with Sunderland set to release Harry Gardiner at the end of his contract. Ogunsuyi has ambitions to kick on and get into the first-team, and couldn't hide his delight after scoring his first PL 2 goal.

He said: “To get my first PL 2 goal I was buzzing to help the lads get in front. I think it’s been a positive individual season.

"I’ve progressed throughout the season and playing with the under-21s has been good. Next season the aim is to stay with the 21s and try and push for the first team and to get better stats than this season.”

The Black Cats U21s take on West Ham United at Eppleton in the quarter finals of the PL 2 play-offs. The Hammers finished second in the Premier League two standings and will be a stern test for Murty and his men.