Midfielder unsure if he has a future at Sunderland

Bridcutt’s protracted move to Elland Road was finally completed this week, with the 26-year-old initially joining the Championship outfit until the New Year, with a view to extending that deal until the end of the season.

The midfielder has started just once for Sunderland since the departure of his ex-Brighton boss Gus Poyet last March, with the Black Cats unsuccessful in their attempts to offload him permanently during the summer.

Like Dick Advocaat before him, new Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has opted against handing Bridcutt a first-team appearance this season, albeit he has been an unused substitute.

But while Bridcutt realises that he is not part of Allardyce’s plans, he is uncertain whether the door has been completely shut on his career on Wearside.

Bridcutt said: “I’m not too sure. I’ve not had a lot to do with Sam. Obviously he didn’t come in long ago himself.

“He’s got his own ideas of what he wants to do.

“At the minute, I’m not part of that.

“But I’m here at Leeds now until January.

“If all goes well and I get the games, and the manager is happy with me, then I’m happy to stay.”

While Bridcutt joined Leeds, Sunderland and ex-Brighton team-mate Will Buckley went in the opposite direction after starting just once for the Elland Road outfit during his loan spell.

Buckley was signed by ex-Leeds boss Uwe Rosler on a deal initially until January, which included a clause for a permanent switch, but after a change in the dug-out, new manager Steve Evans relegated the 26-year-old to a substitute’s role.

It was expected that Buckley would return to Wearside in January when his loan expired, but Sunderland terminated the deal early due to his lack of involvement.

“I think Sunderland were a little frustrated that he hadn’t had the game time that was probably outlined to him by my predecessor,” said Evans.

‘I can’t sit here and say whether that was right or wrong. All I know is that since I have come into the football club we have predominantly put Stuart Dallas there who is a top player for this football club.

‘So I can understand why Sunderland, in consultation with Will, would wish him to go back there.”