Sunderland boss Roy Keane is hoping for more of his academy graduates to begin attracting England recognition.

Sunderland have dragged their feet over the years with their academy falling behind rivals Newcastle and Middlesbrough, but midfielders Grant Leadbitter and Jamie Chandler are away on England duty this week, Leadbitter with the Under-21s and Chandler with the Under-19s.

Keane said: "There were nine English lads involved in our game against Newcastle at the weekend and that was nice to see.

"We've got a couple of lads away with England and that's fantastic, we would love some to be playing with the England senior team.

"We've got 11 or 12 players away on international duty and I love that. It's great for Sunderland."