Republic of Ireland youth international Sean Thornton will be available for Sunderland's relegation clash against Bolton next week.
Thornton, (19) is a member of the Republic's under-20 squad preparing for the World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emeriates later this month, but Sunderland are requesting he miss the tournament and stay on Wearside to help fight relegation.
Sunderland boss Howard Wilkinson hopes to secure Thornton's release for the club's nine remaining league games and has discussed the matter with the Football Association of Ireland.
Ireland, who depart for the UAE on St. Patrick's Day, host Egypt in a friendly in Dublin on Saturday week, but the FAI have released Thornton for that game as it clashes with Sunderland's match with Bolton at the Stadium of Light.
However, it remains to be seen whether Wilkinson will be successful in his bid to free the Drogheda native from international duty in the UAE.
Wilkinson said: "We are delighted to have been informed that he will not be required to join up for the pre-competition preparations and will therefore be available for our game against Bolton, which is obviously pleasing".
Thornton established himself at the Stadium of Light this season following a number of injuries to first team players, most notably Republic of Ireland international Jason McAteer.
Ireland under-20 boss Gerry Smyth would be bitterly disappointed to lose Thornton as he secured the player's services ahead of under-21 manager Don Givens who is preparing for the upcoming European 2004 qualifiers against Georgia and Albania.
The imminent war in Iraq has cast doubt over the suitability of staging the event in the UAE, prompting FIFA - the sport's world governing body - to discuss the situation in Geneva today. Moving the competition to Japan has been touted as an alternative.
Ireland kick-off their group campaign against Saudi Arabia on March 27th. Three days later they face the Ivory Coast before seeking revenge against Mexico on April 2nd. All three games will be played in Al-Ain.