JEFF Whitley, in the words of the Republica song adopted by Sunderland, is Ready to Go.

Whitley was recently left out of Sunderland's squad for the trip to Wigan. His absence fuelled rumours he had fallen foul of boss Mick McCarthy.

The tough tackling midfielder, however, was happy to clear things up and said it was nothing more than fatigue. The tough exertions on international stage and in the Championship had finally taken its toll.

"It's been a bit hectic with the international games and everything," said Whitley, who played for Northern Ireland against England and Poland recently.

"Poland was a long trip. We were away for two weeks and there was all the travelling and two big games.

"Once we came back I was feeling very, very tired but I had about a week's rest which I needed just to recharge and get the body right again.

"I was feeling all the jet-lag and was tired from the games, but now I've had a nice rest and I'm feeling good and ready to go now."

Unlike some players who think the international break is a nuisance, Whitley welcomes a change of scenery and a break from the intensity of the Coca-Cola Championship.

"When you're playing club football the fans and everyone demands a lot from the player," said Whitley.

"It's great to have a little break and go into a different environment and go away with a different set of lads and do different stuff.

"You can go away, the training's not so intense as it is here because they don't need to be making us do 40-yard sprints and shuttles, etc.

"Some players don't like being away that long from their families and stuff like that. But it's all part and parcel of football and you've got to enjoy your time there."

The 26-year-old returned to McCarthy's side as a substitute in Saturday's surprise 2-1 home defeat to Reading.

Unfortunately it was his tackle on Steve Sidwell that handed the Royals a penalty and an unlikely three points.

Whitley was still disputing the spot-kick three days later.

He said: "With the penalty incident I had to make the tackle because it looked like he was going to take a shot. Not one of their players even appealed for a penalty. It was nowhere near a penalty.

"I caught him ever so slightly but it wasn't like I wiped him out. I was disappointed I gave the penalty away even though I felt it wasn't one."

Whitley turned out for the reserves' in Monday's 4-2 victory against a strong Bolton second XI.

Ivan Campo - who received a red card just before the end - and Henrik Pederson were just two of Bolton's high profile stars who turned out at Leyland, only to see a Kevin Kyle hat-trick and a Michael Bridges strike seal a Black Cats' win.

"It was a good game," said the former Manchester City player. "The lads played well considering the team they had out. Our lads stuck together and got a great result.

"I only had about 20 minutes on Saturday and we've got to keep ticking over."

Kyle's haul means the big Scot has hit eight goals in just two reserve games as he battles back from a career threatening hip injury.

Whitley had a few words of encouragement for striker, and revealed how everyone at the club has tried to raise his spirits during his long absence.

"He must be feeling fantastic, but frustrated as well having been out for so long.

"It looks like he's just buzzing to be back playing and I know he knows he's only going to get a handful of games but he'll be looking to get back in.

"If that (eight goals in two games) doesn't help him, I don't know what will.

"He's been down in the dumps and the lads have obviously tried to give him a lift and keep him cheered up.

"He's had his times as well but he's back to his lively best and fingers crossed everything goes well with his hip and he might get involved in the next four games."