REG'S CATS CAN'T GET THEIR CLAWS INTO SEAGULLS

REGIS LE BRIS will continue to “ride the wave" after Sunderland's impressive season continued with a battling draw at Brighton.

- BY EDWARD ELLIOT

The high-flying Black Cats shrugged off the loss of a host of first-team regulars to the Africa Cup of Nations to build on last weekend's Wear-Tyne derby win over Newcastle.

A largely uneventful stalemate at the Amex Stadium moved Sunderland on to 27 points from 17 games ahead of a memorable 2025 concluding at home to Leeds next weekend.

Asked about the club's progress, head coach Le Bris, who masterminded promotion through the Championship playoffs, said: “It's tough and it's always step by step.

“We are well connected with Sunderland, with the club, with the project, and so far it's really positive, so just ride the wave.”

The Frenchman was forced into four changes from the Toon victory after Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo Mandava and Bertrand Traore departed for AFCON duty.