Sunderland defender Bryan Oviedo will return to Wearside earlier than expected after Costa Rica were beaten in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Los Ticos' campaign came to an abrupt end during the early hours of the morning when they were beaten by Mexico on penalties.
Costa Rica were stunned by Haiti in their final group game as a 2-1 defeat knocked them down to second place in Group B.
Their punishment was a quarter-final clash with the tournament favourites and a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat.
Costa Rica were one of three host nations for the competition and were highly fancied heading into the tournament.
A last eight exit was inconceivable at the start of the campaign and despite a valiant effort against Mexico, it will go down as a disappointment.
On a personal basis, though, Oviedo impressed during his three appearances in the competition. The 29-year-old scored during their 4-0 win over Nicaragua and added an assist in Costa Rica's 2-1 win over Bermuda.
He was rested for the defeat to Haiti before he played 99 minutes in the quarter-final defeat to Mexico.
His form during the competition will have pleased Sunderland as they look to move Oviedo on this summer in a bid to trim their wage budget.
Oviedo and midfielder Lee Cattermole are the only two players remaining at the club who played for Sunderland in the Premier League and, as such, have huge wages in comparison to the rest of the squad.
Sunderland would have hoped Oviedo impressed potential suitors at the Gold Cup in order to sell him on this summer.
Both Club Brugge and Rosenborg are known to be interested in Oviedo this summer, while the former Everton defender almost joined West Brom on a loan deal during the January transfer window.
Costa Rica's exit will mean he will return to Wearside quicker than previously anticipated, which will give Sunderland more time to sort out his future.
Conversely, should they fail to sell him on this summer, Oviedo will have more time during pre-season with new recruits and to get to grips with any new ideas Jack Ross hopes to implement this term.
