Seven Sunderland players have been called up for international duty for the second break of the season. Here is every Black Cats star involved and what fixtures they could feature in.
Sunderland have come to the international break on fine form. The Black Cats sit top of the Championship with dreams of Premier League football flying high under Regis Le Bris.
Now the club is allowed to recuperate as the second international of the season commences.
Many of Sunderland’s stars have earned call-ups for their form as multiple competitions get back underway, including the Nations League.
Here, Sunderland AFC News has listed each star who has earned and call-up and when they will be participating in any fixtures.
Chris Mepham – Wales
- Iceland (Friday, October 11)
- Montenegro (Monday, October 14)
The signing of Chris Mepham has been a masterstroke by Le Bris. The defender joined on deadline day and has been part of a backline which has already kept multiple clean sheets.
Now, he will be looking to continue this form in the Nations League as Wales aim to finish the break top of their group.
Milan Aleksic – Serbia Under 21s
- Ukraine (Tuesday, October 15)
Another deadline day signing, Milan Aleksic is believed to have plenty of potential after impressing in the Serbian top tier. Despite not making a single first-team appearance for the Black Cats yet, Aleksic has once again been called up to the Serbia Under 21s squad.
Here the Balkan nation with continue their Euro Under 21s qualifying journey as they take on Ukraine in the groups.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Sunderland star Milan Aleksic.
Leo Hjelde – Norway Under 21s
- Republic of Ireland (Friday, October 11)
- Turkey (Tuesday, October 15)
While Leo Hjelde hasn’t been able to secure a Championship appearance for Sunderland this season, he has once again been given the opportunity to showcase his skills at international level.
The defender will join Norway’s Under 21 side as they look to secure qualification for the Under 21s European Championships.
Matty Young – England Under 19s
- Portugal (Wednesday, October 9)
- Netherlands (Saturday, October 12)
Sunderland has produced another good upcoming goalkeeper in Matty Young. The Academy of Light graduate is currently out on loan to League Two side Salford City where he has made a handful of appearances in the cups.
As he continues to build up his experience, he is set to take part in the England Under 19s fixtures against Portugal and the Netherlands, both of which are friendlies.
Trey Ogunsuyi – Belgium Under 19s
- France (Saturday, October 12)
Another talented upcoming youngster is Trey Ogunsuyi. The starlet has impressed in the academy and has been rewarded for his performances with a call-up to the Belgium Under 19s side.
Here, he will take part in a friendly against France as he looks to build up his experience.
Trai Hume – Northern Ireland
- Belarus (Saturday, October 12)
- Bulgaria (Tuesday, October 15)
Trai Hume was given the captain’s armband for Northern Ireland’s last international fixtures. While this did bring the side good fortune, they will be looking to pick up more results in the Nations League over the next week and a half.
Northern Ireland will face Belarus and Bulgaria as they aim to go top of their group.
Chris Rigg – England Under 18s
- Sweden (Friday, October 11)
The final player on this list is Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg. The midfielder has been on fire this campaign which has no doubt helped the side in their early title push.
As a result, he has once again been selected for the England Under 18s squad as they participate in a four-team tournament. They will first face Sweden, with the winner facing either Ukraine or the Netherlands. The losers of the first game will also play each other.