The 22-year-old wide man was included in the Black Cats' starting eleven and was taken off in the dying minutes of the Premiership game, when he made way for Martyn Waghorn.

He clearly earned respect from his teammates and fans alike with his tireless running and inch-perfect crosses, especially in the second half when he changed his natural position as a right wing-back.

Eleven minutes from the interval, Al-Muhammadi came close to setting up a goal for the hosts when he incredibly feinted past Liam Ridgewell to whip in a precise cross that was cleared by Lee Bowyer.

Bowyer's clearance was in the opposite direction and could have resulted in an own goal if it wasn't for goalie Ben Foster's good reflex.

Sunderland were reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time after skipper Lee Cattermole was dismissed for two bookable offences.

In the second period Al-Muhammadi was switched to the left flank, where the Egypt international surprisingly impressed.

He disturbed Birmingham's rearguard with a number of right-footed crosses and also tried his luck from distance only to see his shot go over the crossbar.

Al-Muhammadi's display as a left winger was particularly praiseworthy, given that he only used to play at the other side with Egypt and ENPPI, his parent club.

The full-back, who joined Sunderland from ENPPI on a season-long loan this summer, featured for the Premier League minnows several times during their pre-season friendly matches.

His appearance against Birmingham is his first in a competitive match with Sunderland.

Sunderland could have won their league opener as they took a two-goal lead after Darren Bent converted a penalty kick and Birmingham's Stephen Carr scored into his own net.

However, the visitors restored parity in the second half, thanks to strikes from Scott Dann and Liam Ridgewell.