Promotion would vindicate Black Cats plan – Speakman

Kristjaan Speakman joined Sunderland as their sporting director in 2020 [Getty Images]

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says promotion to the Premier League would vindicate their focus on youth.

The Black Cats are preparing for the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United at Wembley on Saturday (15:01 BST).

Of their starting XI in the second leg of the semi-final