The left back produced a strong performance as Sunderland beat Oxford in the fourth round of the FA Cup
While Régis Le Bris has rotated in both of the club's ties so far, he has also named two strong sides packed with senior experience. Cirkin is one of the players who has benefited from game time in the competition and while in previous years it has played very much second fiddle to the club's promotion ambitions, this year the sense of opportunity has been discussed by the squad.
Cirkin praised his team mates from understanding the physical challenge they would face against Oxford and coming through it with a professional performance.
Cirkin said: "Yeah, so we kind of looked back to the last game here, end of the season, and we knew straight away what was coming. The direct ball, the aggressiveness, the crowd getting on their side. So we knew that, and we tried to communicate that to the other players and make them aware. So we started off with, and I thought we did, I thought we matched their energy today, the aggressiveness. With the weather and everything, it was a proper championship game really, which I've kind of missed, personally! But yeah, it was nice to come here and to get the win.
"I think these cup games provide an opportunity for us. Obviously, we want to get to the final, we want to try and win it. But yeah, a lot of us lads can do the job, and I'm just happy to get the opportunities. So I'm just you know, staying confident, training really hard and, you know, trying to do the basics really well. And then when you get an opportunity, you can showcase your abilities.
"We've 100% talked about the fact that we have an opportunity this year, and that has definitely been emphasised in our meetings, just to make sure there's no underestimating what this is and how much of a chance we have this year. So, yeah, the emphasis is there."
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Dennis Cirkin issues contract update and addresses position in Sunderland squad
Cirkin has made a strong return from injury in recent months, but has had limited game time in recent weeks due to Reinildo's continuing strong form at left back.
While Cirkin admits there is some 'natural' frustration at his position as second choice, he feels the experience can benefit him in future. The 23-year-old feels he is learning from the experienced full back, even if he is unlikely to replicate his habit of training in a sleeveless top no matter the north east weather.
"Yeah, look, there's a natural frustration, of course, but for me I think it's really good to have that competition and someone as good as Reinildo in front of you," Cirkin said.
"I think the last three or four games I've watched him closely, I think he's been terrific, so obviously it gives the manager a difficult decision, and like I said, when the opportunity arises, you just want to take it all in and help the team, really.
"I'm picking up a lot from him. He's a terrific player and to have him in front of me only pushes me more. I think the only thing I won't pick up from him is his shorts and sleeveless t-shirt in training!"
Cirkin is out of contract this summer, and Régis Le Bris recently said it was too early to discuss the future following his recent return from injury. The full back himself said he agreed with that stance and was relaxed about the situation as it stands.
Cirkin said: "Still in the same position, yeah, still quite relaxed, still got the rest of the season to play out, so we'll see how it goes."
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