Eleven Black Cats called up

With the international break now underway, Sunderland bid farewell to 11 senior players who have been called up by their respective nations.

Leading the way is Denmark’s Nicklas Bendtner who will look to add to his 14 international goals with games against Cyprus and Portugal who top their qualification group.

Fellow striker’s Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-Won are on duty for England’s U21’s & South Korea.

England have a tough double-header against Iceland and Norway whilst Ji’s Korea continue World Cup 2014 qualification with a tie against UAE. They warm up with a friendly against Poland.

John O’Shea and Keiren Westwood are both called up by Ireland boss Giovanni Trappatoni once more as the Irish face Andorra away before hosting Armenia.

Phil Bardsley is also in home-nations action with Scotland who face Liechtenstein and Spain with their qualification hopes seemingly fading rapidly.

Welsh midfielder David Vaughan has been called up by Gary Speed for his side’s home tie with Switzerland before a tough trip to Bulgaria.

Simon Mignolet’s Belgium face Kazakhstan and Germany as they look to climb from third place in their group.

African Cup of Nations qualifying is underway for Stephane Sessegnon’s Benin who face Rwanda, bottom of their group.

Finally, last but not least, Louis Laing will hope to be in action for England’s U19’s in the Limoges Tournament. England face Ukraine, Portugal and France over a five-day stretch.

Good luck to all our internationals!