Sunderland have a handful of players currently away on international duty.
Sunderland and new manager Regis Le Bris can take a brief pause from league action for what is the first international break of the season.
And it’s so far been a very positive campaign for Sunderland who sit in 1st place of the Championship table, with four wins from four.
The Black Cats beat Portsmouth 3-1 in their last outing to maintain their perfect start to the 2024/25 season, with hopes high for their return to league action later this month.
Le Bris will have an eye on his players playing in international fixtures this month.
Both Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg are representing England’s youth teams, with Leo Hjelde and Alan Browne both called up to represent their respective nations, along with Northern Ireland duo Trai Hume and Dan Ballard.
Deadline day signing Milan Aleksic is also way on international duty with Serbia.
Northern Ireland made Hume captain for their Nations League win over Luxembourg on Thursday night, with Hume and Ballard both starting in defence for Michael O’Neill’s side; Ballard scored the second goal in a 2-0 win.
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Northern Irish media rate Dan Ballard and Trai Hume performances for Norther Ireland
Ballard and Hume have become mainstays in the Northern Ireland XI, with the pair having racked up 24 and 13 caps respectively.
Belfast Live gave both players 8/10 ratings, saying of Hume: “The captain on the night and another standout performer,” and of Ballard: “Showed his threat in the opposition box again, commanding all night.”
Belfast Telegraph also gave both players 8/10 ratings, writing of Hume: “Presented with the captaincy for the first time.
“Decent long range attempts during both halves which nearly yielded a third goal.
“An excellent performance from one of Northern Ireland’s brightest talents.”
And of Ballard: “A neat finish from closer range to put the men in green 2-0 ahead with only 16 minutes gone.
“A first strike at Windsor Park for the Sunderland defender. A lapse in concentration nearly allowed Luxembourg’s Leandro Barreiro to score in first half stoppage time.”
Sunderland gaining value from international appearances
Sunderland players playing at international level is certainly a credit to the club, and to the club’s recruitment process and whatnot.
And for Kristjaan Speakman and the Sunderland owners, having players playing at the highest level will only serve to bolster their transfer value.
The likes of Ballard and Hume may easily be valued at £20million in the coming transfer windows, with both having had transfer interest during the summer window just gone.
Once again, the pair have impressed for Northern Ireland, and Le Bris will be hoping that the pair can maintain their fine form when they return to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s next fixture is away vs Plymouth Argyle later this month.