SUNDERLAND boss Regis Le Bris should have four first-team players to add to his squad when the action resumes after the forthcoming international break.

The Sunderland boss was short of options as his side drew 2-2 with Leeds United last night, with Alan Browne and Tommy Watson the only players to come on from the substitutes’ bench.

Aaron Connolly was in the matchday squad for the first time, but the recent addition was never going to be considered for any involvement on the pitch.

Instead, the forward is set to make a 45-minute appearance in Monday’s Under-21s game with Derby County as he builds up his match sharpness.

Milan Aleksic was another unused substitute against Leeds, with Le Bris hoping the youngster will get some minutes with the Serbian national side in the next couple of weeks.

And while Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda were unavailable last night because of injury, the pair should be back in the fold by the time Sunderland return to action at Hull City on October 20.

Le Bris said: “They now have time to develop and get ready to perform. With Aaron, we didn’t want to rush the process.

“He was on the bench (for the Leeds game), and we thought that maybe by being there, he could be useful for the team. But it was too high risk (to bring him on) because he probably needs to play for 45 minutes with the Under-21s. Then after that, maybe 60 minutes or 65 in the next game.

“For Milan, that is really the case as well. Hopefully, he will be playing with his national team and that will give him time to develop and grow.

“He also needs to find a link with the team here because it is a new experience and hopefully we will have three or four more players back for the team soon. That will be important for the squad.”