International round-up: Black Cats set for action

Paddy McNair – Northern Ireland

Paddy McNair will be hoping Northern Ireland can build on an impressive Euro 2016 and start their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign with a win.

Taking on Czech Republic on Sunday 4 September, McNair could add to his 11 international caps.

John O’Shea – Republic of Ireland

Despite missing Sunderland’s trip to Southampton defender John O’Shea has been called up by Republic of Ireland.

Martin O’Neill’s side will take on Oman in a friendly (31 August) before travelling to Belgrade to tackle Serbia in a World Cup qualifier.

Wahbi Khazri – Tunisia

Wahbi Khazri will be in 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action when Tunisia take on Republic of Liberia on Sunday 4 September.

Both sides currently have 10 points in Group A after five games.

Lamine Kone – Ivory Coast

Like Khazri, Lamine Kone will be Africa Cup of Nations action as Ivory Coast continue their qualifying campaign against Sierra Leone on Saturday 3 September.

Patrick van Aanholt – Netherlands

Patrick van Aanholt will hope to add to his international caps when Netherlands host Greece in a friendly before taking on Sweden in a World Cup qualifier.

The Dutchman earnt an international recall at the end of last season featuring against England.

Jordan Pickford and Duncan Watmore – England U21

Jordan Pickford and Duncan Watmore have both retained their place in England’s under-21 side.

Gareth Southgate’s men currently top their U21 European Championships qualifying group with Pickford conceding just two goals in five games, ahead of next week’s clash with Norway in Colchester.

Joel Asoro – Sweden U21

Joel Asoro has received his first Sweden under-21 call-up having previously featured for the under-17 side where he scored 12 goals in 17 appearances.

The striker made his first-team debut against Middlesbrough earlier this month after impressing in pre-season, with his first start coming shortly after as Sunderland defeated Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Cup.

Asoro, 17, will be hoping to feature when Hakan Ericson’s side take on Croatia and Spain.

Donald Love – Scotland U21

Donald Love has been called up to Scotland’s under-21 side for two U21 European Championship qualifying fixtures.

However, the former Manchester United defender will be suspended for the first game against Macedonia with the second game taking place on Monday 6 September.

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