Sunderland dressing room reaction to Carl Winchester exit revealed

The popular and versatile 29-year-old has been unable to break into the Championship side on Wearside this season, though his progress of late was affected by a back injury.

On deadline day he joined Tom Flanagan and Aiden O’Brien at the New Meadow, with Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman saying the club respected his desire for regular football.

A popular figure at the club, one of his former teammates has wished him well.

Taking to Twitter, Lynden Gooch posted: “Going to be a big miss on and off the pitch! Good luck Winniesta my man.”

Speakman added: “Carl is at a stage of his career whereby he wants to be playing regular football and after concluding our incoming business, we agreed that it suited both parties for him to spend the remainder of the season on loan.

"He played an important part in our promotion last season and he will be missed by players and staff alike.

"We know Carl is a popular player amongst our fan base and like us, I’m sure our supporters appreciate the contribution he has made to the club throughout his time at the Stadium of Light.”

The loan runs until the end of the season at which point Winchester’s current contract expires, raising the possibility that he could have played his last game for the club.

However, Sunderland have confirmed that they do have the option to recall him in the January window.

Sunderland face Middlesbrough away in the Championship on Monday evening at the Riverside.