Defender Jensen Seelt was back in action for Sunderland in the U21s against Benfica B and he admitted 'it felt amazing'.

The 21-year-old returned after a lengthy spell on the sidelines to play the first 45 minutes of the victory over Benfica B in the Premier League International Cup. It was his first game since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury 10 months ago.

“It felt amazing. I have worked so hard for this moment,” he told SAFC.com. “This is obviously just the first steps but to be back out there, doing what I love, is the main thing.

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“The time away from the group was really challenging. I’d like to think I have always had a positive attitude, accepting that the recovery was always going to be slow. When I look back, I have worked really hard. I have proved to myself I can overcome adversity.”

Seelt most recently rejoined the first-team group but will continue to gain minutes with the U21s. Head coach, Régis Le Bris heaped praise on the Dutchman’s ability as he continues to work towards full fitness.

Seelt continued: “The gaffer has been massively supportive. He gave me a really good feeling from the beginning. He was open to speak to, making sure I was always involved.

“It has been frustrating to be sidelined but also brilliant to see the team succeeding. It is only a motivation to see so many of our young players doing well. We look fresh and I’m excited to fight for my place.

“I will continue building my minutes after being out for so long. It’s small steps but this is an exciting time.”

Meanwhile, lead coach Graeme Murty expressed his delight at Sunderland U21s 2-1 win at Leicester City. Having beaten Benfica in midweek, Murty commended his team’s commitment and mentality, highlighting their resilience in securing all three points on the back of a tough European game.

“I’m really pleased because the team stood up to a really, really tough test and not long after a big game against Benfica during the week, so to go again so soon was hard for some of them, but some of our play at times was fantastic,” he told the club.

“The way they received the ball and played through lines, the way they understood pulling our opponent’s shape apart at times was very, very good, and I thought the first half in particular, we were really clinical.

“We could have been more clinical at times in the second half when we had a little bit of the ascendancy, but as our opponents started to push us, we had to show a different side, and we had to stand up to the physical challenge.”

Murty was pleased with how his team responded to both challenges as they dominated possession for extended periods in the first 45 minutes, then were forced to defend in the second as Leicester increased the pressure.

“Leicester have some excellent players, and we knew the game would be tough, especially with some of the players they have available after returning from loan spells,” he added. “We managed to stand up to that test and keep them in areas where we thought they would be less impactful.

“I thought that not only were we brave in the physical side of the game, but we were brave enough to come play when we got the opportunity. We had three first-year scholars on the pitch at the end of the game. It would be a massive test for them, but we weren’t worried about putting them on because we know they listen to instructions and work really hard.”