Breen confusion cleared up

Reports over the weekend suggested that Breen was one of a number players being released by The Black Cats following their failure to secure promotion back to The Premiership.

Sunderland are trimming their squad for next term and a report on Sunday claimed Breen was one of the players being allowed to leave.

Breen's agent Sky Andrew was surprised at the reports and insists that the former Coventry and West Ham ace is staying on Wearside.

"It is news to me," Andrew told skysports.com. "Gary has not been released and he has another year to run on his contract at Sunderland."

Breen enjoyed a fine season at Sunderland with a number of accomplished performances and Black Cats manager Mick McCarthy sees him as a key member of his squad as they look to climb out of Division One.