Black Cats new boys ready for cup debuts

JOEL Lynch and Laurens De Bock will not feature in this weekend’s league trip to Bolton - but they are expected to make their Sunderland debuts next week.

The new signings joined at the end of the August transfer window and have been building up their match fitness, and both started Monday night’s U23 game against Middlesbrough with centre-back Lynch playing for an hour while left-back De Bock lasted the full 90 minutes.

Lynch came off slightly earlier than intended, but Black Cats manager Jack Ross says it was only a minor problem and he has since been back in full training.

And Ross intends to include both Lynch and De Bock in his squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

“We are hoping to have Joel and Laurens in the squad at Sheffield United next week,” said Ross, who was at Eppleton to see the pair play against Boro. “Joel came off a little earlier than expected against Middlesbrough but he is OK and he trained this morning.

“All being well I would like to include him against Sheffield United and then he will be up to speed. Laurens is also concentrating on his fitness with a view to him being involved at Sheffield United as well.”

Ahead of Saturday’s game at Bolton, Ross will make late decisions on a couple of players who picked up knocks in the 1-1 draw against Rotherham.

He said: “We’ve got concerns over a couple of players from Tuesday who did not train today, and will see how they are tomorrow before deciding whether they will miss out, but I’d rather not say who they are.”