SUNDERLAND are set to ring the changes in for tomorrow night's Papa Johns Trophy tie against Lincoln City with a number of youngsters set to be handed a chance in the first team. 

The Black Cats play their first game of the season in the competition that holds some sentiment to them after winning the cup at Wembley last season. 

Their tie against Manchester United's Under 23's was postponed a number of weeks ago. 

They will go into the game off the back of a tough outing against Portsmouth where they lost 4-0 at Fratton Park. 

Speaking on tomorrow night's cup tie, manager Lee Johnson said: "It's a game we've gone publicly to say that our priority is the league this year. Everything will be built around that. 

"Obviously we've done well in the Carabao Cup as well so far and we're still in that. 

"It's a game where some young really young players will get some opportunity, mixed in with some senior players."

The players will be looking to bounce back from the heavy defeat against Pompey before their have ten days off due to the postponement of the Oxford United fixture this weekend. 

Defender Tom Flanagan admits the game against the Imps is a chance for the youngsters and fringe players to make a point.

He said: "We've been good in the cup and to be honest with you, theboys who are going to play in that game are maybe the lads who didn't play today. 

"If they play well, they've got every right to be starting the next one so I'm sure there will be some people who will lose their shirts in this game and everyone's places are up for question, absolutely everyone's."