CHECKATRADE TROPHY
By John Lyons

AMBITIOUS: Jon McLaughlin

SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin reckons the prospect of a Wembley showdown against Portsmouth gives Tuesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy semi-fi nal at Bristol Rovers an extra edge.
Pompey were the first to book their Wembley ticket with their impressive 3-0 victory at Bury last Tuesday. Now Rovers and Sunderland meet to decide the other finalist – with the Black Cats the favourites to win through.
Heading into the weekend, they were third in League One, while Rovers were 21st and in the relegati...