Neil was one of the linchpins of Sunderland’s successful promotion from the Championship last season, skippering the side as he started all bar two of his side’s league games.
However, the Black Cats have had a major midfield overhaul this summer, with Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki having already arrived and the €20m signing of Granit Xhaka set to be confirmed later today.
As a result, Neil finds himself facing a major battle to claim a starting spot next season, with his 20-minute substitute appearance in last night’s 2-1 defeat at Hull City highlighting the fact that he is no longer an automatic first choice.
“We will see what happens,” said Le Bris, when asked about Neil’s prospects next season. “I think for the players who came from League One to the Championship and then got promoted again, it’s the same for all of them, they need to step up.
“We trust these players, but the gap is massive. So, they will need time and they will need confidence. That’s the case for everyone.
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“If they are involved, and they believe this project is important for them and they have a possibility if being part of it, then we will trust and support them.”
Neil’s position is complicated by his contractual status as he has entered the final 12 months of his current deal at the Stadium of Light.
At the start of the summer, Kristjaan Speakman said that resolving Neil’s contract position, and that of Dennis Cirkin, who is also in the final year of his deal, would be a “priority”.
However, nothing has changed, with Sunderland still at risk of losing both players for nothing next summer unless they agree to a new deal.
The situation is a delicate one, although Le Bris insists it will not influence his thinking when it comes to selecting his side.
“As a manager, the contract situation is not a problem,” he said. “It is never a problem for me. If you are on the pitch and you can train properly, then you can be involved in the squad.
“After that, you have the other side of things with the club, but that is not my problem at the minute.”
