REGIS Le Bris believes Sunderland now have the "right level" of competition for places at both ends of the pitch.

But he admits he "doesn't know" what this week's capture of Aaron Connolly on a free transfer means for the long-term future of Nazariy Rusyn - though says the Ukrainian forward can still play a part for the Black Cats in the weeks and months ahead.

With Ahmed Abdullahi out injured until December, Le Bris wanted three strikers jostling for a place in his side, hence Sunderland's move to sign free agent Connolly.

The new recruit won't feature until after the October international break but once he's up and running, Rusyn will likely drop down the pecking order.

The 25-year-old has only played 43 minutes of action - all from the bench - so far this season and was an unused substitute against Plymouth and Middlesbrough.

"We don't know," admitted Le Bris when quizzed on Rusyn's future.

"What we want to do is build a good level of competition in every position.

"It was clear that for this position. We have Mayenda, Ahmed is injured at the minute and Naz. So only two players for that position. We needed to recruit another player as soon as possible.

"We have the right level of competition. With this competition, many things can happen. It's not bad competition, it's a team and we will need these three players in good shape and able to play at their best level to perform as a team. It's a good number."

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While the Black Cats boss is now happy with his options in attack, it's no surprise that's also the case in defence, where Le Bris has some "interesting" decisions to make for the coming games.

After Dan Ballard suffered a minor injury at Plymouth, Chris Mepham came into the side against Middlesbrough and enjoyed a hugely impressive debut. Le Bris must now decide who should partner Luke O'Nien at Watford on Saturday, and he'll have even more of a headache before the year is out when Aji Alese returns from injury.

"It's good for the development of the team and the consistency," he said.

"You know if you don't push yourself enough, you won't play. When the competition is low, I won't say players can become lazy but it's not ideal, when it's too high you know one or two players won't have the opportunity to play.

"I think the right level is now achieved for that position. With Luke, Aji, Chris, Dan Ballard, we have different kinds of players."

Alan Browne could return to the squad at Vicarage Road tomorrow after missing the Boro game with a knee problem, while Ian Poveda is also now available after overcoming a thigh injury.

Le Bris said: "With Browney, it will depend how he is feeling but he could be available for Watford.

"Ian should be available for Watford. Ian had a long period without a team and this can impact you, you can lose a week or two when you feel discomfort. He is in this period at the moment, he needs one or two weeks and maybe one or two good performances on the pitch just to create that feeling of confidence. I am confident in him."

Deadline day signing Salis Abdul Samed is still working his way back to fitness and isn't expected to feature against Watford, Leeds or Derby before the international break.

Le Bris said: "I don't know exactly when Salis will be available to play. He is feeling good but with the kind of injury he is coming back from, if he reaches a certain level of intensity [too soon] then it could provoke another injury.

"At the moment we don't know exactly when he will be fit, but I think it will probably be after the international break."