Neil gives Cats injury update and Aiden latest
Alex Neil remains hopeful that Alex Pritchard will be involved when Sunderland face Cambridge United this afternoon.
Pritchard has missed the last two games with a calf problem, but should be able to play some part as the Black Catslooktoboosttheirplay-off hopes against Mark Bonner's side.
Neil also offered a positive update on Aiden McGeady, who has not featured since November and who the head coach has previously admitted may not feature again this season.
The Irishman made a successful return to training with the senior group on Thursday, an important step forward.
Here's everything Neil said on the injury situation in his press conference yesterday:
On Alex Pritchard, he said: “Alex is certainly a lot closer than he had been. He just missed out on the last game so I’d imagine he will feature.
On Leon Dajaku, Thorben Hoffmann and Callum Doyle, Neil added: “Leon is still ill, so he won't be available.
“Thorben is much better, he's improved.
“Callum has improved as well, albeit he's not had a massive amount of training days whichisprobablytheonlyconcern for him. His [illness] was also longer than Thorben's so that'ssomethingthatwe'llhave to cast an eye over.”
On Aiden McGeady, Alex admitted: "Aiden trained with us on Thursday. That was a big step forward for him because he's not been with the main groupforawhile.Naturally,his first training session was only the beginning, but he was on thegrasswithusandhelooked fine, as well.
"We've also got a couple of wee bumps and bruises that we'll have to assess.”