A YOUNG Sunderland side started their inaugural Premier League Under-21s International Cup push with a goalless draw against Spanish side Villarreal.

The Black Cats, who had experienced Vito Mannone in goal, also face Celtic on December 18 and then Everton as part of a Group D in a tournament which it is hoped will strengthen in the years to come.

Neither side could find the breakthrough on a night when Sunderland’s Duncan Watmore had to be helped from the field after just 26 minutes after a heavy challenge.

Villarreal had the best chance when Jorge Mendez missed a great opportunity from close range. Mannone also had to make a number of saves, while Mikael Mandron was denied and had a late goal ruled out for offside.

Sunderland: Mannone; Cartwright, T Robson, Beadling, McNamee, Oliver, Agnew, Watmore, Lawson, Smith, Mandron. Subs: Stryjek, Gooch, Greenwood, E Robson, Blinco, Ferguson.

Villarreal: Banuz; Alfonso, F Garcia, Bonin, Ramirez, Hernandez, Viana, A Garcia, Mendez, Naranjo, Leiva. Subs: Glauder, Cebria, Palav, J Garcia, Pedraza, Moreno, Juan.