MASARA RELISHING ‘TOUGH’ SUNDERLAND TEST

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Forward talks goal scoring, playing in stadiums, and more!

2026-05-14T10:00:00.000Z

MASARA RELISHING ‘TOUGH’ SUNDERLAND TEST

Forward talks goal scoring, playing in stadiums, and more!

2026-05-14T10:00:00.000Z

Forward talks goal scoring, playing in stadiums, and more!

The Premier League Cup has proved to be a productive environment for U21s forward Vernon Masara this season.

His three goals leave him joint top of the Clarets’ scoring charts in this competition, and the 19-year-old scored the winner in our 2-1 semi-final victory over West Bromwich Albion.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s final against Sunderland, Masara expressed his excitement about the challenge that lies ahead.

“I’m feeling good,” he said.

“It’s been a good couple of weeks to build up and mentally prepare for the game, so I think we’re in the right head space going into it.

“It’s been about keeping the intensity high, while making sure we’re rested and recovered at the same time.

“They (Sunderland) will be a tough team to play because they’ll be good on the ball and aggressive, so it’s one that we have to prepare for.

“It would be a great achievement (to win), just to finish the season on a high.

“We’ve worked so hard all year, and it would be nice just to get that little bit of clarification that we did do well.

“Big arenas could be a bit intimidating, but because we’ve played at Turf Moor now we can really adjust to it, and it feels like any other game.

“It's a little snippet of what you can achieve if you keep working hard and doing everything right.”

GALLERY: BURNLEY U21S V WEST BROMWICH ALBION U21S - Gallery Photo 14

As mentioned, Masara was on the scoresheet in the team’s last outing – which saw them beat West Bromwich Albion at Turf Moor.

After Ellis Clark opened the scoring with a fine volley into the top left corner, Masara latched onto a pinpoint Kian McMahon-Brown through ball and finished confidently when one on one.

“It was a good game that we really fought for,” the winger continued.

“We didn’t stop running until the last whistle and everybody had a part to play in the result – not just those who scored.

“The defensive work was top, and it was a really good team effort.

“I knew the defender was going to step up so it was just a case of staying onside.

“I had a similar chance at the start of the game so when I got in front of goal, it was about adjusting the finish to make sure that I put this one away.

“It’s always good to score in stadiums and hopefully that’s something I can carry on doing throughout my career.”

Supporters are welcome to get behind Farrell and his players in person, with tickets on sale via Sunderland’s website HERE.

Adults are priced at £3, while over 65s and those aged 22 or under can gain entry for £1.

If you can’t be at Stadium of Light, you will be able to follow the action live on Clarets+ and/or X - @ClaretsAcademy.

Be sure to follow our Academy dedicated social media channels for live updates too, and a match report will be shared on www.burnleyfootballclub.com after the final whistle.