Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson says Benji Kimpioka has done his chances of starting against Burton Albion no harm, after scoring a late goal against Coventry City.
The 19-year-old Swedish under-21 international made a big impact in his ten-minute cameo from the bench, netting his first league goal for Sunderland to rescue a point for his side.
It was a big moment for the bright prospect from Sunderland's academy, with Parkinson's squad plagued by injuries and a severe lack of confidence right now.
Asked about his chances of starting Tuesday's important league clash against Burton, Parkinson said: "He hasn’t done himself any harm with getting the goal. He can’t do anymore, he only had 10 minutes or so but got an important goal for us.
“We will think about the team selection very carefully."
Kimpioka isn't the only academy prospect impressing currently, as more senior players continue their slump. Denver Hume gave another solid showing, while young centre-back Brendan Taylor gave a great performance in midweek at Gillingham in the FA Cup.
Parkinson says the academy players are playing with a fearless attitude right now, something his under pressure senior players aren't, and is tempted to throw them in to excite the underwhelmed and frustrated supporters.
“Brandon Taylor played down at Gillingham and did really well, obviously I went with the senior players on the bench," he said.
“Denver drove the team forward at times down the left, they are playing with no fear for us when they get those opportunities, that is great for us.
“Also, the supporters really get behind the youngsters, which is good to see.
"The club is building its way back forward and a key area is producing players from the academy, I know the owner is conscious of that.
“Making sure recruitment is right to get those quality players and the coaching within that structure so we can produce players like the ones you’ve seen today.”
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