Sunderland: Regis Le Bris facing fresh Dan Neil dilemma - View | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris faces a difficult decision in central-midfield ahead of Sunderland's trip to Plymouth Argyle, with Dan Neil back from suspension.

Sunderland's central-midfield position is turning into something of a love triangle, given the options available to Regis Le Bris.

Since the opening day of the season, the Wearsiders have fielded three different combinations in the heart of midfield, such is their strength in the middle of the park.

Although rotations had to be made because of injury or suspension, Le Bris faces the prospect of having Dan Neil, Alan Browne and Chris Rigg all available for their next game against Plymouth Argyle.

At the start of the season, Neil was one of the first names on the team sheet, but now the Sunderland captain faces a battle to get back into the side.

Regis Le Bris has key decision with Dan Neil back from suspension

In normal circumstances, the title of captain would secure an automatic place in the side, but given the form of Sunderland's other contenders for that position, it might not be so straight forward for Neil.

Sunderland's captain was sent off against Burnley, having picked up two yellow cards, and was subsequently suspended for the Wearsiders' trip to Portsmouth, where the Black Cats ran out deserved 3-1 winners.

In the 22-year-old's absence, Rigg and Browne partnered each other for the first time in central-midfield and both players were integral in what was a dominant performance for the Black Cats.

While Browne produced a classy display and scored his first Sunderland goal in the process, Rigg showed grit and desire and played a huge part in the Black Cats' third goal, by winning possession with a crunching challenge.

Despite conceding late on, it was a dominant display by the Wearsiders and Le Bris now faces a tough decision ahead of the club's visit to Plymouth. However, with the international break, the situation could change.

Alan Browne and Chris Rigg start the season in fine form for Sunderland

The signing of Browne from Championship rivals, Preston North End, is proving to be an astute piece of business for the Black Cats.

Browne became Le Bris' first signing earlier this summer, following his free transfer from Preston. As Corey Evans left the club, Sunderland were keen to replace his experience and leadership in the heart of midfield and the 29-year-old has done that and more.

The Republic of Ireland international has displayed several key qualities during his first few games for the club. His ability to remain calm on the ball and retain possession while surrounded by the opposition has been vital to the Black Cats' success.

With his first Sunderland goal under his belt, the 29-year-old showed a different side to his game in being able to get into the box to support the teams' attack.

As for Rigg, one runs out of superlatives to describe his astronomical talent. At only 17 years of age, the sky is surely the limit for the teenager, and he is giving Le Bris a major headache in his central-midfield selection.

Against Sheffield Wednesday, Rigg produced a mature performance and his ability to break through the lines before picking out a pinpoint pass was key to Sunderland's play.

In the Wearsiders' win over Pompey, he showcased a different side to his game. Despite being on a yellow card, the teenager thundered into a challenge to win back possession, which set Eliezer Mayenda to charge his way towards goal, before teeing up Romaine Mundle for his goal.

Neil will return from suspension for Sunderland's mammoth journey down to Plymouth, but will face a battle to get back into the starting eleven.

With Browne and Rigg performing at the top of their game, it will prove tough for the Black Cats captain to dethrone the dynamic duo.