REGIS LE BRIS has been casting his eye over Jewison Bennette as a possible left-back, but does not envisage the Sunderland youngster spending too much time in a defensive position.

Bennette lined up at left-back as he turned out for the Under-21s in last week’s 2-2 draw with Athletic Bilbao in the opening game of the Premier League International Cup.

Rather than selecting the Costa Rica international in his usual position as a left winger, Sunderland’s coaching team fielded Bennette as part of the backline with Tommy Watson playing ahead of him on the left flank.

Given his lack of first-team involvement since moving from his homeland in the summer of 2022, it was widely expected that Bennette would move on this summer.

The 20-year-old had an unsuccessful loan spell at Greek club Aris Thessaloniki in the second half of last season, and was the subject of rumoured interest from overseas again during the summer window.

He remained on Wearside though, with Le Bris insisting the door has not been closed on a possible route to the first-team squad.

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What position that might involve remains to be seen, but while Le Bris feels playing at left-back will aid Bennette’s development, he does not expect the youngster to be spending too much time in the role.

“We can try to see how he plays at left-back,” said Le Bris. “It is still useful for his development and his experiences. I don't think it's his position, but he can learn there in games like this (with the Under-21s).”

Bennette is training as part of Sunderland’s first-team squad, although, for now, the Central American will have to get his match practice with the Under-21s rather than as part of the senior group.

Having failed to make the matchday squad for Saturday’s Championship defeat at Plymouth, Bennette is set to be involved in tomorrow’s next International Cup game against Borussia Monchengladbach at Eppleton.

“It's difficult because we felt that he needed senior football, and of course with the Under-21s he is still playing youth football,” said Le Bris. “But he can train with the senior team and have this kind of game, so it's only four months (until the transfer window reopens) and then we can see after that.”