LuaLua, McNair in running for Cats starts against Preston

Paddy McNair and Kazenga LuaLua are both in contention to return to the Sunderland squad for today’s visit of Preston North End.

Sunderland host the Lilywhites at the Stadium of Light in the Sky Bet Championship, with just nine games left for the bottom-of-the-table Black Cats to avoid relegation.

Coleman revealed that McNair, who has been struggling with groin problems since returning from a serious knee injury, has been involved in a session and was due to train again yesterday at the Academy of Light.

Provided there is no reaction, he could return to the squad, along with January signing Kazenga LuaLua, who is yet to start a match for the club following an ankle injury. John O’Shea only returned to training yesterday, with the Sunderland boss sweating on his involvement. Chelsea loanee Jake ClarkeSalter is back after serving a three-game ban. “John O’Shea hasn’t trained all week, but he will train today,” said Coleman yesterday. “Marc Wilson has trained this week, but he won’t be available – this weekend will be too early for him.

“Darron Gibson has had a couple of sessions. He is still two weeks away before we can start thinking about him having any kind of gametime. Jake is back. Jonny [Williams] will be three weeks out, we think.”

Coleman added: “Kazenga has trained twice and looked sharp – he looked OK, to be fair. Paddy McNair has had one proper session and he could be in contention, but let’s see how he gets through today, provided there is no reaction, and there shouldn’t be.”

With Sunderland five points from safety, Coleman was asked whether it had reached the point where he might have to take the odd risk with some players. He said: “I think so, yes, but obviously it has to be a calculated one.

“We are running out of time and games, it is needs must and the lads know that.

“We are at a stage where we might have to (take a risk). It is as simple as that to make sure we get over the line.”