LEE JOHNSON has made ten changes to his Sunderland side for this evening's Papa John's Trophy game with Oldham.

Leon Dajaku is the only player to retain his place from the team that kicked off Saturday's 2-1 win at Cambridge.

As expected, Johnson has turned to a number of his youngsters with Ollie Younger, Sam Wilding, Cieran Dunne and Benji Kimpioka all selected in the starting side.

There is a smattering of experience in the shape of Lee Burge, Aiden O'Brien and Elliot Embleton, but perhaps the most notable Sunderland starter is Arbenit Xhemajli.

The Kosovan defender makes his first senior appearance since damaging his cruciatre ligaments while on international duty in September 2020.

Xhemajli has appeared for the Under-23s as he built his fitness back up, but tonight's outing marks his return to the senior stage.


SUNDERLAND (3-5-2): Burge; Alves, Xhemajli, Younger; Dunne, Wilding, Embleton, Dajaku; O'Brien, Kimpioka, Harris.

Subs: Carney, Almond, Dyce, Kachosa, Wearne, Scott, Johnson.