This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
The games continue to come thick and fast for Sunderland, but for manager Phil Parkinson the match against Leicester U21s provides him with the ideal chance to run the rule over the fringe players in his squad.
Laurens De Bock and Brandon Taylor could be involved again after being selected in the matchday squad in the last Leasing.com trophy fixture against Grimsby, with the latter starting at centre-back.
Another who looks set to get his chance is Benji Kimpioka, according to Phil Parkinson’s comments, and his inclusion is a great chance for him to stake his claim for long-term first-team involvement.
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Some fans have called for the 19-year-old to be given an opportunity following a return of two goals in six games for the struggling under 23s, and a fixture against a team mainly made up of youngsters should prove suitable.
What’s more, game time has been limited for the winger in the senior side, and so far he has accumulated just nine minutes of playing time this term – none of which came under Jack Ross.
As a result, he should be determined to make the most of his opportunity, and with Lynden Gooch currently sidelined there is a vacant position at right-wing – Luke O’Nien had to play out of position in that role against Southend at the weekend.
Kimpioka seems to have that battling spirit, too, previously stating he will fight to earn a first-team place. He has showed signs of potential, enough for the club to try and pin him down to a long-term deal, and if he begins to show his ability against Grimsby he’ll likely get more chances.
Josh Maja and Denver Hume are recent examples of successful academy graduates, while Parkinson has a track-record of trusting youngsters, as evidenced by his time at Bolton when he introduced Luca Connell, who subsequently thrived and earned a move to Celtic, into the first team.
If Kimpioka can showcase his pace and direct style he will offer Sunderland an alternative option on the wing, and could begin to push for more substitute appearances and further starts in cup competitions – with Gillingham visiting in the FA Cup at the weekend.
