As the 2021-22 season winds to a successful ending on Wearside, the international break is now upon us, as three Sunderland players join their national teams aiming for various achievements. Here’s how they’re progressing so far…
Bailey Wright – Australia: Bailey Wright made a real announcement on his return to the Australia squad on Wednesday night, netting a bullet header as the Socceroos won 2-1 against Jordan in Doha, Qatar. The friendly win sets Graham Arnold’s side up well for a crucial World Cup qualifying play-off on Tuesday night against United Arab Emirates, once in again in Doha. The winner of the tie will then face Peru for a place in the winter finals.
Trai Hume – Northern Ireland: Having made his senior Northern Ireland bow during the season, Trai Hume has once again been called up by manager Ian Baraclough for the side’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Cyprus (x2), Kosovo and Greece, by whom they were narrowly beaten 1-0 on Thursday night at Windsor Park. Hume came on for the final 12 minutes of the clash for another cap. Corry Evans has been left out of the squad on this occasion as Baraclough cited fatigue as leading him to rest several experienced players.
Ross Stewart – Scotland: Ross Stewart was again called up by Steve Clarke for Scotland’s four matches over the international break, as the Tartan Army were beaten 3-1 at Hampden Park by Ukraine on Wednesday night to deny them a place at the World Cup finals. Stewart was an unused substitute on the night, as he looks to the side’s upcoming three Nations League games against Armenia (twice) and the Republic of Ireland for a potential international debut.
Check back to safc.com next week for our International Round-Up as we analyse the progress of our international Lads.