Sunderland captain 'wanted' to face Portsmouth in Wembley final | OneFootball

Sunderland midfielder George Honeyman has said he wanted to face Portsmouth in the EFL Trophy final because it means the stadium will be full.

Both clubs have sold out their allocations of around 40,000 for the showpiece game.

With neutrals and sponsors expected in attendance, the final is likely to play out in front of more fans than Tottenham have attracted to Premier League games this season.

Honeyman, who expected to miss the final through suspension but will be allowed to play, can’t wait.

“We wanted Portsmouth to get through if we were going to get to the final because we knew they’d bring a big crowd as well,” the Black Cats’ skipper told the Sunderland Echo.

“It’ll be surreal, I just want everyone to enjoy the moment and I’m sure they will.

“Enjoy playing for Sunderland in a cup final at Wembley because, it’s not the FA Cup but it’ll live in people’s memories if we go there and lift a trophy.”

Sunderland are currently third in League One as they look to bounce back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Should they win their game in hand on the top two, they will be up to an automatic promotion spot and just four points behind league leaders Luton Town.

For now, though, their attention will solely be on Wembley.

“Our goal at the start of the year was promotion,” Honeyman said.

“But when you get to the final, you go to Wembley, okay it’s been watered down by Tottenham playing their home games there but for a lot of people to play there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“You just never know when that opportunity could come again.”