Big Sunderland injury boost ahead of Norwich fixture despite Leicester City defeat

As Sunderland were pushing for a second-half equaliser against Championship leaders Leicester, head coach Tony Mowbray made five second-half substitutions - including one at full-back.

The return of Dennis Cirkin to the Black Cats’ bench at the King Power Stadium was a welcome sight after seven games out with a hamstring injury. Still, it was unclear just how much of an impact the 21-year-old would be able to make.

Cirkin, who started Sunderland’s first five league games this season, had featured for the under-21s side in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Hibernian on Monday, a day before the 1-0 defeat at Leicester. There was also the option for him to play for the under-21s against Tottenham at Eppleton CW on Friday as he returned to full fitness.

Yet Cirkin’s cameo against Leicester, where he replaced Niall Huggins in the 64th minute, showed he’s back in the first-team picture, with the full-back giving his side some extra thrust down the left flank. Cirkin’s low cross 13 minutes from time almost picked out fellow substitute Chris Rigg in the box, before it was cut out by Foxes centre-back Wout Faes, while the Sunderland full-back received a late chance when he skied Abdoullah Ba’s cutback over the bar from inside the penalty area.

Still, this was an encouraging showing from a player who had made a strong start to the campaign following multiple injury setbacks last term. Huggins, who has endured his own injury setbacks, has performed well in Cirkin’s absence over recent weeks, yet the competition at left-back, with Aji Alese also making progress, will be welcomed by Mowbray.

Cirkin showed last season what he can offer going forward, scoring five goals in 28 Championship appearances, while making improvements to the defensive side of his game. He has also shown he is comfortable playing in a back four or a back three, which may prove useful later in the campaign.

The full-back’s performance against Leicester even suggested he is in contention to start Saturday’s fixture against Norwich at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland looking to get back on track following three consecutive defeats.