Can Hackett be the next Sunderland starlet to break into the first-team?

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Sunderland manager Jack Ross handed out a number of debuts in midweek as his side triumphed 1-0 in the EFL Trophy against Morecambe.

Jake Hackett, Jack Bainbridge, Jordan Hunter and Jack Diamond were all named in the starting line-up for Sunderland.

The promising young quartet were making their first-team debuts. And Ross gave three more debuts to substitutes.

Brandon Taylor, Daniel Neil and Lee Connelly came off the bench to make their senior bows.

Over the past two seasons, Sunderland’s fall from grace has allowed academy stars to emerge on the first-team scene.

The likes of Josh Maja, Lynden Gooch, George Honeyman and Denver Hume may not have had these opportunities if Sunderland were still in the Premier League.

And could Hackett become the next Sunderland player to make his name at first-team level?

The 18-year-old certainly showed his technical ability in the middle of the park, operating alongside Max Power.

For such a young player making his senior debut against a physical Morecambe side, Hackett showed that he has the ability on the ball and composure to make a success of himself.

The talented teenager was tidy in possession and used the ball wisely. This would have encouraged Ross as he considers his options.

At the moment, competition for places makes it tough to break into the first-team squad.

But Ross will know that Hackett has the ability to step up should he need him in the future.