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.
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.
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.
