Sunderland have had several players on international duty this month.
Following Sunderland’s perfect start to the 2024/25 season under new boss Regis Le Bris, the players have had a break from league duty.
Several of the Black Cats’ first-team names have headed away on international duty, with several having impressed.
Both Dan Ballard and Trai Hume have earned praise with Northern Ireland, whilst the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg have featured for England U20s and U18s respectively.
Elsewhere, deadline day signings Chris Mepham and Milan Aleksic have been in action for Wales and Serbia respectively, with another summer signing in Alan Browne having been called up for Republic of Ireland.
Sunderland signed Browne as a free agent over the summer, no doubt as a ploy from Kristjaan Speakman to combat the distinct lack of Championship experience in the side previously.
Browne has become a well-liked player among Sunderland fans after one goal in three Championship appearances this season.
- READ MORE: Sunderland could end up paying £24.7m in bonuses this season, says football finance expert
Irish media mull over Sunderland man Alan Browne after Republic of Ireland defeat
Browne earned his 37th cap for the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday night.
He started in the no.6 position as the Irish fell to a second 2-0 defeat in the Nations League during this month’s international break.
The 29-year-old Browne made 30 accurate passes with a pass completion of 86%, including two key passes.
The Sunderland man also made one block and one interception on the night, but received mixed reviews from Irish media, who largely believe that Browne should’ve scored shortly before half-time.
Irish Examiner gave Browne a 7/10 rating, adding: “Kept getting himself into good positions when the game was still scoreless.
“Scuffed at a half chance at the end of a decent move that was blocked by Andreas Bouchalakis and sent a much clearer effort over approaching the interval.”
Irish Independent meanwhile gave Browne a 6/10 rating, adding: “Sat in the No 6 role with Molumby and should have really hit the target on 44 minutes.
“Had a busy second half too and made a key block to deny Greek skipper Tasos Bakasetas.”
- READ MORE: Four Sunderland players tipped to feature vs Plymouth Argyle including deadline day signing
Alan Browne’s role at Sunderland this season is a key one
When everyone is fit, it seems like Browne starts on the bench for Sunderland.
But he showed in the last outing vs Portsmouth that he’s more than a capable back-up player for when someone else is unavailable.
And if Browne can get a run of games in the side then it may keep someone like Dan Neil or Rigg on the bench.
Browne has showed his class and experience so far this season and after a tough couple of games with Ireland, he’ll no doubt be looking forward to a return to action with Sunderland.