Bailey Wright and Jewison Bennette are due in Qatar early this week to begin their preparations for the 2022 World Cup.
Wright has been called up to the Australia squad for their Group D fixtures against France, Tunisia and Denmark while teenage Bennette will come up against Spain, Japan and Germany in Group E.
While the Lads will head to Dubai for a warm weather training camp during a gap in the Sky Championship fixture schedule, both Wright and Bennette will be competing in the greatest international tournament in football.
“I spoke to them both when we got the news that they were both included. You wish them well” said head coach Tony Mowbray.
“They are both playing for countries that have got tough groups and their aspirations are to go and enjoy the experience and try and make your country proud by putting in good performances.
“It’s a unique World Cup. Mid-season in a middle eastern country but it will go down in the annals of history.”
Both have made big contributions to the Black Cats first season back in the second tier since 2018 with Wright starting in their last four games helping them to seven points out of 12.
The head coach continued: “For Bailey, it’s good timing for him now that he has got back in the team. Some injuries have allowed that to happen but it’s given him good game time and I hope he can impact his national team in a World Cup.”
For Bennette, the 18-year-old has featured in ten games and scored a last minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Watford at Vicarage Road.
“Jewison is a young boy who has got wonderful talent” Mowbray added. It will be an amazing experience for him and he should go along, enjoy it and see what happens.
“There are some amazing teams in his group but try and do your country proud when you get an opportunity.”
Good luck Bailey and Jewi!