Conor McLaughlin makes a candid admission over his Sunderland form and opens up on his whirlwind return to the side

The Northern Irish international was handed a first club start since December 2019 in the 2-0 win against Swindon Town after Phil Parkinson saw his defensive options decimated by injury and suspension.

And McLaughlin, who had played just two minutes of League One football this season prior to his appearance at the County Ground, was keen to take the opportunity to show his true ability – having been left disappointed with the early impression he made at the Stadium of Light.

Signed by Jack Ross last summer after leaving Millwall, McLaughlin struggled for regular football under both Parkinson and his predecessor during the 2019/20 season – with the full-back admitting some early mistakes saw his head drop.

But having worked hard over the summer, the 29-year-old is know keen to show what he can bring to the Sunderland side.

He said: “I didn't do myself justice when I did get a chance last year, so it was tough to take.

"But I was positive, kept working hard and hoped that I got my chance.

"Football is all about confidence and last year when I was playing, I made a few mistakes and my head got down a little bit,” he continued.

"Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy, but I just had to believe in myself as a player.

“I knew what I had done in the past, but that is the past so you have to go and prove yourself again. Hopefully I can get a run now.

"It's an amazing club to play for, a massive club, and everyone is lucky to play here. We want to get back up the leagues so we all have to do our jobs as individuals and a team - and hopefully we get there.”

McLaughlin certainly did his chances of securing a run in the side no harm with an assured performance at Swindon.

Having started the game as the Black Cats’ right wing-back, injury to Jordan Willis meant he was quickly asked to shift to play on the right hand side of the back three.

His start at the County Ground topped off a whirlwind week for McLaughlin, who was tasked with dealing with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland during the second half of Northern Ireland’s defeat to Norway on Wednesday evening.

Those international commitments meant it was quick turnaround for the defender – who had no time to rest ahead to the trip to Wiltshire.

“We flew straight after the match in Norway and got back to Belfast at four in the morning, then flew the next day back to England, “ he explained.

"The travelling was a bit nuts, but I'm just glad I got my chance today. The international games helped me coming into this, to get some fitness.

“I just had yesterday [Friday] when I got back. It was a light session, but I watched a few clips and caught up on the analysis the boys had done during the week coming into the game.”

That limited preparation time made McLaughlin’s performance even more remarkable – with the former Fleetwood man seamlessly slotting into the back three and helping the Black Cats continue their watertight start to the season.

And the defender can now reflect on a positive week for both club and country, which has undoubtedly benefitted him given his limited action of late.

“It's been a really good week in terms of game time really,” he said.

"The international games have helped me coming into today. You just have to work hard and when your chance comes you have to take it.

“I think all the lads have done really well today. Another clean sheet and we're keeping the run going.”

The question now is whether McLaughlin’s performance has done enough to convince Parkinson to hand him a more regular role in the back five.

Tom Flanagan is set to return to the fold on Tuesday which should see Luke O’Nien return to his favoured wing-back role, although injury to Jordan Willis could see a vacancy emerge on the right of the central three – a role for which McLaughlin would undoubtedly be a major contender, alongside new signing Dion Sanderson.

But even if he drops out the side against the Railwayment, the 29-year-old won’t be too concerned.

In a season as long and taxing as that facing Sunderland, further chances are sure to come.

“It's what you need the squad for,” said McLaughlin.

“Obviously we'll have Flanno coming back now and we've got new signings so everyone will have to play their part.

“We have to remain together as a squad and we'll go far.

“Luke is slotting in at left centre back as well, obviously Bailey is a very good organiser so he helps us back there.

“Jack Diamond came on and did well and the squad is going to play its part all season. It's a long season, there's lads coming back now, so it's going to be stronger again.”

But does the man himself think he has done enough to retain his place?

"I hope so.

“You come to a club like Sunderland and you expect competition.

"It's tough to get in the team and even tougher to stay there, so I just have to keep going now.”

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