Fighting Fit For Sunderland

Four of our walking wounded should return to contention for the Sunderland match after resuming training.

Speaking to the Official Site ahead of the 12 pointer and return of Martin O'Neill, McLeish revealed that Chris Herd, Marc Albrighton and Ciaran Clark will be fit enough to be in contention for the first team. It's also possible that Stephen Warnock will return in time to figure in the game:

'Marc has not trained yet with the group, but it's likely he'll train on Thursday and be available. Ciaran has got a head knock, but he's fine. He's not in the same situation as Herdy was. Herdy is looking quite good as well and they should both train on Thursday.'

McLeish adds that Herdy has now stopped seeing stars and that he's fine.

As for Warnock, he said:

'Stevie is with the physios, he's still got a bit of puffiness in his ankle but he said he was feeling quite good. If they can work on getting the fluid out of his ankle then he's got a chance of making the squad.'

There's also better news for N'Zogbia and Cuellar as McLeish says they are much sharper in training this week:

'Charles has looked much sharper, he had a great session on Tuesday and he looked on fire. It was sharpness and match fitness he was lacking before. Carlos is fit, we were thinking of putting him in against Stoke but he didn't quite feel ready. He's trained every day and he's in contention.'

He also says that Richard Dunne is back running and in light training, so he doesn't think it will be too long before he joins up with group training again following his broken collarbone.

Sunderland Match Thread.

Vital Villa on:

Vital Villa on:

Join Vital Villa

It's easy to REGISTER, simply click the link and enjoy getting involved!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.