SUNDERLAND will meet either Swansea City or Hertha Berlin in the semi-finals of the Premier League International Cup after the club’s Under-23 team beat Athletic Bilbao in this evening's quarter-final at the Stadium of Light.

Elliott Dickman’s side were always in control of their last-eight tie, with goals from Ethan Robson and Elliott Embleton confirming their success.

Dickman was able to name a strong second-string side for the game, which was played in front of an attendance of 634, although there was no Josh Maja in the starting line-up with Joel Asoro leading the line.

An early fumble from goalkeeper Max Stryjek almost created an opening for Bilbao, but Iker Hernandez’s attempted overhead kick sailed over the crossbar.

Hernandez went close again on the 20-minute mark with a shot that was saved by Stryjek, but Sunderland broke the deadlock midway through the opening period through Ethan Robson. Asoro’s initial shot was well saved, but Robson reacted quickest to stab home the rebound.

Stryjek produced another save to deny Hernandez to ensure the Black Cats entered the interval with the lead, and they doubled their lead within two minutes of the restart.

Embleton curled home from 25 yards to increase his side’s advantage, and Sunderland’s position was strengthened further four minutes later when Bilbao were reduced to ten men. Inigo Cordoba squared up to Tom Beadling after an altercation, and received a straight red card.

Ethan Robson hit the post as Sunderland pressed for a third goal, with Rees Greenwood also going close in the closing stages.

Sunderland: Stryjek; J Robson, T Robson, Beadling (Wright 81), Casey; Ledger, Molyneux (Poame 90), E Robson, Embleton; Greenwood, Asoro (Hume 81).