Dan Neil leads by example and has the makings of a long-term captain according to Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray. Head coach Mowbray handed academy product Neil the captain's armband for the Black Cats' 3-1 win against Birmingham City going into the international break, with natural leader Corry Evans still recovering from knee ligament damage while his deputy, Luke O'Nien, missed out against the Blues due to suspension.

O'Nien is set to return and reclaim the armband this weekend when the Championship campaign resumes with Sunderland heading to Plymouth Argyle, but Mowbray believes Neil commands the respect that could one day see the midfielder become captain on a regular basis. "Teams evolve and teams grow together," said Mowbray, who captained Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town during his own playing career.

"We might sign a player who has massive qualities of leadership but, if not, there's nothing stopping Dan [becoming a long-term captain] - he can lead by example. He's not a naturally gregarious person who wants to put his opinion on top of everybody else's but I think he gains respect from the way he leads his life and the human qualities he possesses.

"He's there to be respected because of how he stands and carries himself every day."

Neil's breakthrough season came under Lee Johnson and then Alex Neil as Sunderland won promotion from League One in 2021-22, and he was one of the first names on the teamsheet under Mowbray last season as the Black Cats reached the play-offs in their first year back in the Championship. He has again been a fixture in the side this term, starting every game for which he has been available, and Mowbray believes it is just a matter of time before the 21-year-old plays in the Premier League, preferably with Sunderland.

Mowbray said: "We're all delighted with the season he has had so far. I can see the progression in him during my tenure at the club.

"He's growing, and if he keeps on growing he will undoubtedly play at the top level and bring his qualities to a really good team - hopefully this one - in the Premier League."