Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray insists Corry Evans will continue to play a pivotal role around the club despite the midfielder's season being over.
Northern Ireland international Evans has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury.
Sunderland confirmed on Thursday that Evans suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in their win over Middlesbrough.
Read more: Linfield Ladies announce name change in "important step" for female players
The 32-year-old was subbed after just 11 minutes of Sunday's Championship victory.
It is a huge blow for Evans, his club and Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill who is preparing for the European qualifiers which kick-off in March.
Evans has made 64 appearances and scored two goals for the Black Cats since signing for the club in the summer of 2021.
Mowbray paid the perfect tribute to Evans, describing him as a "really professional footballer" who "sets the standards" at Sunderland.
“First and foremost, it is a blow for Corry. He’s been amazing at this club since he came” Mowbray told the club's website.
“I had Corry at Blackburn Rovers for four years. It’s coincided that when he came here, the fortunes of the club turned that were trying for three or four years to get out of League One.
“Corry is just a really professional footballer understands his job, does his work everyday, sets the standards in the dressing room. He will maintain that, he is still going to be around the place even though he will be in the treatment room for a while.
“He’ll continue to set the standard for the younger players at this football club. I’ve got no fears. He will be back stronger and helping us in the future.”
READ NEXT:
- Glen object to All-Ireland club final result over Kilmacud rules breach
Antrim boxing champion on a decade of sacrifice, grind and glory
Six of the worst - Ulster’s most memorable GAA controversies
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
