Jason Denayer lost his place in the Belgium squad through lack of centre-back opportunities while on loan at Sunderland.
Since being loaned out to a third side during his City career, Denayer is yet to start a game for The Black Cats. The defender has only played at full-back this season and admits he found it hard to take at first after Roberto Martinez left him out of the national team.
It has cost him being involved in World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia (H) and Gibraltar (A).
“Mr. Martinez has given me an explanation, yes,” Denayer said.
He told me that I have not played my position in too many matches in my club, so he did not find it ideal to name me in the squad.
Denayer added that while Pep Guardiola thinks he is an interesting player, it will be more beneficial for him to be loaned out.
While Denayer’s ultimate aim would be to get back into the Belgian squad, it is his short-term problem of fighting for a Sunderland spot he should be worried about.
Lamine Kone and Papy Djilobodji are currently top of David Moyes’ pecking order and when the latter was dropped against West Brom, it was the experienced John O’Shea the Scot turned to.
