Three cheers for Cats as injured players look ready to return

SUNDERLAND could have three players back in contention for the home game against Brentford.

Black Cats’ boss Chris Coleman has indicated Callum McManaman, Paddy McNair and Jonny Williams are likely to be available tomorrow after recovering from injuries.

McManaman has been out of action for three weeks with a shin problem, while McNair and Williams are fit after lengthy spells on the sidelines and built up their match fitness playing for the under-23s at Exeter City last weekend.

Coleman said: “Callum McManaman is coming back and we have missed him for three weeks because of injury.

“Jonny Williams is coming back, Paddy McNair is coming back.

“They need to come back and offer something to us.

“Lamine Kone also trained earlier in the week but is only 75 per cent, so we will wait and see with him.”

Despite the presence of five firstteamers, Sunderland’s under-23 side lost at Exeter.

However, Coleman says the game was more important from the point of view of easing some of his injured players back into action.

He added: “It is pointless being out for two months, coming back into training for two weeks and then thinking you can go straight into playing first-team football. That is a big risk.

“The reason we played the pair at Exeter was to protect them so that when they do come with us they are going to be better prepared and have less chance of re-injuring themselves.”