One Sunderland player has been handed his first international call up after his recent brilliant form.
Sunderland have seen many successes so far this season, with the Black Cats sat 4th in the Championship table as we enter the business end of the campaign.
The Black Cats have seen many players improve significantly since the 2023/24 season, where Sunderland finished 16th in the Championship, including the likes of Eliezer Mayenda, who has been on hot form recently.
Away from the club, some loanees have also developed brilliantly. Hibernian man Nectarios Triantis, for example, has come on leaps and bounds so far this campaign, having helped the Scottish side to an impeccable run of form, with them sat 3rd in the Premiership, only behind Celtic and Rangers.
Because of his impeccable performance recently, the Australian has been handed his first international call up.
Sunderland loanee Nectarios Triantis handed first international call up after Hibernian form
Sunderland man Triantis has been Hibernian’s highest rated player this season, and recently played a crucial role in a ‘sublime’ win against Celtic. Because of his top form recently, he has deservedly been handed his first senior international call up for Australia.
The 21-year-old has notched three goals and five assists in the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign, and has taken on the role of defensive-midfielder in David Gray’s side with ease, becoming a dominant and imposing presence in the centre of the park.
2023 signing Triantis had struggled for game time on Wearside, having notched a total of five appearances, predominantly off the bench, but has since become a top player when being utilised in Scotland.
What Australia boss Tony Popovic said about Nectarios Triantis after first Australia call up
Australia boss Tony Popovic admitted that he was a huge admirer of Sunderland loanee Triantis, particularly with him showing top levels in recent weeks and months.
Following his call up to the side, the Australian head coach, via Socceroos on X, said: “I think in October, November, he was playing games but looked a little bit raw.
“He’s developed Scotland, a lot of belief, playing really well, and they’re [Hibernian] on an unbelievable run.
“I saw him play live against Celtic, he set up a wonderful goal, a first goal, he played well and he looks very confident. I look forward to seeing him in camp and what he can do.”
With the incredible form that Triantis is showing, with that being recognised at international level, Regis Le Bris will surely be hoping that the Australian plays a key part in the side next season.