USMNT and Spurs defender wins praise from Jurgen Klinsmann for Sunderland loan spell

DeAndre Yedlin has won praise from USA national head coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the progress made during his season-long loan at Sunderland.

The 22-year-old right-back joined from Tottenham Hotspur last summer and became a key member of manager Sam Allardyce's defence as the club successfully fought relegation.

Spurs are set to cash in on Â£2million-rated Yedlin this summer, with the USA international third-choice right-back at White Hart Lane.

A permanent move back to Sunderland could be on the cards and Klinsmann has praised the defender for the marked improvement in his game.

Ex-Germany and Spurs striker Klinsmann - who praised Sam Allardyce for his 'awesome' job in keeping Sunderland in the top flight - says the spell on Wearside has made Yedlin stronger.

Klinsmann said: "We’re thrilled about his season because he broke through at Sunderland and Sunderland’s not an easy spot to play at, especially when they’re fighting relegation.

"I think for DeAndre this was a big learning year and made him stronger, made him better and hopefully also more confident.

"With what he’s going through, he’s still a very young player and it couldn’t have gone any better during the season.

"Most importantly, Sunderland were not relegated.

"They saved themselves and he played a vital role in that with an awesome coach, Sam Allardyce, so he gets a big confidence boost and now he has to confirm this good form at the Copa America."

The pacy full-back ousted Billy Jones at right-back on his way to making 25 appearances for the Black Cats.

Yedlin is expected to be first-choice right-back for the USA heading into next month’s Copa America.