Sebastian Larsson: The Sunderland and Sweden midfielder played at Wembley against England on Tuesday
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admits he is happy to see the end of the international fixtures for 2011.
The Black Cats had seven players representing their nations over the weekend and they have all returned to the club ahead of Saturday's meeting with Fulham.
Nicklas Bendtner (Denmark), Ji Dong-won (Korea), Ahmed Elmohamady (Egypt), Phil Bardsley (Scotland), John O'Shea, Keiren Westwood (both Ireland) and Sebastian Larsson (Sweden) were all on international duty.
Bruce's side are aiming to move away from the relegation zone after their inconsistent form this season has left them only a point above the bottom three.
But their next two fixtures are both at home and against sides below them in the table, with Wigan the visitors after the Cottagers make the trip.
Bruce is expecting a hectic winter schedule and is relieved that club fixtures are the focus over the next few months.
"Glad they're all over"
He said: "To be honest I'm glad they're all over. It's been three or four months we've been playing and we've only played 11 games.
"I think we've got something like eight before the end of December and it just shows you how vital time is.
"It feels as though the season is about to start. It feels stop-start. You play three or four games and then you're off for two weeks.
"Everybody's come back okay, and that's the main thing. Some have had long journeys and we'll see how they all are."
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