Watmore is winging his way back

SUNDERLAND winger Duncan Watmore could be ready to return to first-team action next month, writes CRAIG JOHNS.

Manager Simon Grayson revealed Watmore, out since December after tearing his ACL, has been training with the under-18 squad this week as he continues his rehabilitation from the serious knee injury.

He then joined in with the firstteam training session on Thursday for the first time since the injury sustained in a victory over Leicester City last season.

Meanwhile, Paddy McNair is also closing in on a return after suffering a similar injury at roughly the same time as Watmore.

Northern Ireland international McNair suffered a slight setback in his recovery, meaning he is behind Watmore, but Grayson is hopeful he will have both players back sooner rather than later.

The upcoming international break should help them too, the Black Cats not in action again after today’s clash at Barnsley until September 9.

Grayson said: “Duncan has been training with the under-19s twice times this week and he trained with the first team. He is moving along nicely.

“It is still going to be a bit of a process of when is the right time for him to get match practice.

“Paddy McNair is a little bit behind because of that setback.

“Both are making progress. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.”

Although it will be too early for McNair, Sunderland have entered an under-21 team in the Checkatrade Trophy again.

The first game is on Tuesday at Scunthorpe - and there is a slight chance Watmore could make the squad.

Failing that, the under-23s will be in action between now and Sheffield United’s visit on September 9 if Grayson was desperate to get Watmore match fitness.

While both Watmore and McNair could be valuable to Sunderland in the Championship, Grayson knows managing the pair during the early months of their returns from such a serious injury will be pivotal.

He added: “You have to remember you can get a knock-on effect from other injuries, muscle injuries, if you do too much with them too quickly.

“When they are back in full training we will have to manage their workload.”