Ahmed Elmohamady is leaving Sunderland - for the week.
He has reached an agreement with O'Neill to spend this week in Dubai with the Egyptian national team who will face Nigeria, Angola and Iraq in a series of World Cup warm up matches.
The winger said: "I have spoken with the manager and he welcomed the idea and gave me permission some competitive matches with the national team. I am to be back on April 18 so I will be able to play against Aston Villa."