LJ: Charlie could feature against Cobblers, but we’ll take no risks
Lee Johnson expects Charlie Wyke to play some part in Sunderland's final league game against Northampton Town on Sunday.
Wyke missed the 3-1 over Plymouth Argyle due to a thigh concern, but scans this week showed that there is no major damage.
Aiden McGeady also missed that win due to swelling on his foot, but is also in contention to take a place in the matchday squad.
Johnson will not take any undue risks with the pair ahead of the forthcoming play-off campaign, but equally feels that both could benefit from some minutes under their belt.
The head coach is confident that they will be in good shape for the first leg of the semi-finals, and believes the break may ultimately work in their favour.
"Charlie was saying all the right things last week [in terms of how the injury felt to him], which was good," Johnson said.
“But then you, of course, have to do all the proper research, scans etc to confirm that, which we've done.
"I expect him to play a part on Sunday, which is good news.
"I wouldn't do that if there was a potential risk.
"It's not an easy balance [in terms of Sunday] but I think we can find it and we'll articulate that to the players.
"Both Aiden and Charlie
are players who want to get going and play every minute of every game.
"Especially with tall players and big lads like Charlie, you want to keep them oiled, if you know what I mean, and
that often means getting them as much gametime as possible.
"I'm pretty confident that if they get through Sunday fine, then they'll be as good as gold for the semi-final, and the rest will probably have served them well."
Sunday’s game could also see the return of Tom Flanagan, who has been absent since the Papa John’s Trophy final.
Flanagan had a foot problem that then led to muscle issues in his left side.
Johnson said: “Tom Flanagan has now had about a week to ten days training, and is probably about 50/50 for the game on Sunday.”
Sunderland’s semi-final first leg will fall between Monday, May 17 and Thursday May, 20, with the second leg over the weekend of May 21-23.