Regis Le Bris on Sunderland's Abdoullah Ba & Adil Aouchiche

The attacking duo were both made available for transfer during the summer but moves failed to materialise.

Aouchiche hasn't been involved at all since coming off the bench late on in the win over Sheffield Wednesday back in August, and although Ba has been back in the squad for the last three Championship games, he's been an unused substitute.

Ba got a run-out for the Under-21s in midweek, with the winger playing all 90 minutes in the 3-2 win at Huddersfield Town, but Aouchiche hasn't been involved with Graeme Murty's side since playing against Everton last month.

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Sunderland have to be selective in which over-age players they decide would most benefit from playing for the Under-21s, says Le Bris - who insists both Ba and Le Bris can still have a part to play for his side this season.

"With the U21s, you have to manage with the ages because there is a maximum you can pick above the age - three, I think," he said.

"So we had to be careful and make a choice. It is the same with Abdoullah, Adil and everyone else, if a position is open then they can work to earn it.

"I don't forget any player, every player can be important when the season is so long. If any player works well, is connected with the team, with the game model and with the project, he can play for sure."