by Paul Bramley

After the impact made on the first team squad by academy product Jordan Henderson, BBC Wear takes a look at some of the youngsters that are on the fringes of first-team football this season.

Carson had a loan spell at Chesterfield

The Northern Irish goalkeeper has made himself a regular fixture on the bench for Sunderland after signing professional terms in 2004.

Despite never making a first-team appearance in a competitive game, Carson was Craig Gordon's understudy for the majority of last season after impressing during a loan spell for Chesterfield.

An Under-21 international, Carson was named on the bench for the senior side during Northern Ireland's defeat by Albania in February.

Kay made his Sunderland debut against Blackburn

The 20-year-old Shotley Bridge defender made his debut during an FA Cup replay against Blackburn Rovers in February 2009 but has not featured since.

After appearing in every game for the reserves last season, as well as regularly captaining the side, Kay could be close to making himself a regular feature in the first team.

A former England under-17 international, the talented right-back joined Sunderland as an eight-year-old and has progressed through the ranks.

Injuries have hampered Liddle's progress so far

Another young player to benefit from a loan period after spending six months at Carlisle, Liddle proved his worth by breaking into the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad.

A regular appearance maker for the reserves, Liddle has featured in a number of first team squads under successive Sunderland managers.

He made his debut during the second half of Sunderland's FA Cup match with Barrow last season, but injuries have halted his expected elevation to the first team squad.

Much is expected from Cook

A regular for the reserves, 20-year-old Cook joined Darlington last season to gain valuable first team experience.

After just five appearances, the former Hetton Schoolboy suffered a serious cruciate injury and returned to Sunderland.

Following a lengthy lay-off Cook returned to training at the end of last season and will be looking to make the break through this term.

Colback has played for England Under-20s

One of the better-known youngsters at Sunderland, Colback spent last season on loan at Ipswich Town making 37 appearances.

The midfielder scored five goals during his loan spell and capped off a good season with the accolade of being voted players' player of the year by his team-mates.

A great season seemed to be getting better when he was recalled by Sunderland to make his Premier league debut at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

This turned sour when he was sent off for two bookable offences - his debut lasting only nine minutes.

Noble has an excellent scoring record

A young player with great potential, Ryan Noble has lightning pace and a real eye for goal.

After progressing from the youth team to the reserves, Noble had an outstanding return of 37 goals last season, scoring 12 goals in nine starts for the reserves and 25 goals in 22 starts for the youth team.

An England under-19 international who went to Watford on loan - without making an appearance, he has been an unused substitute for the first team on several occasions.

He made his only first team appearance in the same game as Michael Liddle, coming on as a replacement for Darren Bent in the 3-0 win over Barrow.

It is widely expected that Noble will become a first team regular during this coming season.

Waghorn has attracted interest from a number of clubs

Despite being only 20 years old the South Shields-born youngster has a wealth of experience.

Having made his debut against Manchester United in 2007 Waghorn has made five first-team appearances and spent seven games on loan at Charlton, scoring once.

Waghorn spent last season on loan at Leicester and was a huge success, scoring 12 goals.

After the heartache of missing a Wembley penalty and missing out on promotion, the Foxes tried to make the loan move permanent. This was refused by Steve Bruce who sees Waghorn as an important part of Sunderland's future.

His goalscoring ability was highlighted in the recent friendly against a Munster XI; scoring twice before being substituted with a knee injury.

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