Debuts, goals and clean sheets as Sunderland stars return from eventful international break

Sunderland's international stars made their return to Wearside this week having been busy representing their countries. A packed schedule saw the Black Cats stars handed debuts, score goals and make vital contributions to their country’s results in the Nations League.

Trai Hume and Dan Ballard – Northern Ireland

It was another successful international spell for the pair as Ballard found himself on the scoresheet in the first game of the international break against Belarus. A 2-0 win saw Ballard score the second goal of the game on his 27th out of 28 caps. The second game was an eventful 2-2 draw with Luxembourg which resulted in promotion from their Nations League group. Hume featured for 90 minutes in both games which now takes him up to a total of 19 caps for his country.

Chris Mepham – Wales

The central defender was an unused substitute across two games as Wales enjoyed an unbeaten pair of results. Craig Bellamy’s side drew 0-0 with Turkey before a resounding 4-1 win over Iceland saw them finish top of their Nations League group.

Jobe Bellingham – England U21s

It was an international break to savour for the 19-year-old midfielder who was handed consecutive starts for the Young Lions. He was in the starting XI for friendlies against Spain and the Netherlands and played the full 90 minutes in the latter. Both games ended in a draw, 0-0 and 1-1 respectively. It’s another sign of his growing potential following some impressive performances this season.

READ MORE: Chris Rigg sent Sunderland transfer warning with 'very careful' message

Milan Aleksic – Serbia U21s

There were more minutes in the tank for the teenage midfielder who started for Serbia in their U21s match away in Turkey, which they won 2-1.

Leo Hjelde – Norway U21s

Norway U21s were knocked out of Euro U21 Championship qualification play-off over two legs by Finland – losing the first match 5-1. Hjelde was a starter in both games as it finished 7-3 on aggregate. Despite Norway winning the second leg 2-1, it wasn’t enough to send them to the summer tournament. The defender is now up to 21 caps for his country at U21 level.