Sunderland defender Tom Flanagan has formed an excellent partnership with Jack Baldwin.
Sunderland made a good start to their League One campaign after eight matches, but their last eight has seen Jack Ross’s side announce themselves as real title contenders.
The Black Cats’ forward’s have played a huge part in their strong start to the season, but defensively the former Premier League regulars have never looked better – with Jack Baldwin and Tom Flanagan the standout players.
Flanagan was set to be involved with Northern Ireland for their match against Austria this weekend, but reports from the Chronicle say the defender will now be available for Sunderland’s match against Wycombe Wanderers.
Flanagan arrived on Wearside from fellow League One side Burton Albion in the summer and has formed a brilliant partnership alongside another summer arrival, Jack Baldwin, in the heart of defence.
The pair have been pivotal to Sunderland’s recent success, winning eight games on the bounce.
Five of those matches have also seen Sunderland keep a clean sheet, which has been a rarity in recent seasons – more evidence of Flanagan’s importance.
The 27-year-old looks like one of the best buys Sunderland have made in recent years, alongside the likes of Chris Maguire, Max Power and Jon McLaughlin.
And in order to keep Sunderland’s good run going, the importance of not disturbing the defence of the Wearside team can’t be understated and Flanagan’s availability could be the difference on Saturday afternoon against Wycombe.
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