Thornton surplus to Black Cat requirements

SUNDERLAND last night confirmed its list of released players, with renegade Irish under-21 international midfielder Sean Thornton one of 11 on their way out of the Stadium of Light.

The player has courted controversy in his brief career. His move from Tranmere Rovers three years ago gained notoriety because he opted to stop training with them and join Sunderland at the end of his contract - an independent tribunal was set up to decide a fee as he was under 23 years of age.

He enjoyed a lengthy run in the first team in the final months of Sunderland’s top-flight stay in 2003.

However, he suffered a number of injuries and his work ethic was criticised by boss Mick McCarthy - culminating in four months out of the side last year.

His latest misdemeanour, missing an Irish U-21 team gathering two weeks ago, has brought an end to his international career under boss Don Givens.

Kilkenny man Richie Ryan, a former Irish U-19 star, will also not be kept on at Sunderland.