Duncan Watmore will make his first start in 10 months for Sunderland this afternoon when they entertain Queens Park Rangers.
The 23-year-old made his return from injury prior to the international break when he came off the bench at Preston North End.
Appearances for the under-23s have boosted Watmore’s recovery, and now Simon Grayson believes the Roadrunner is ready to be handed his first start of the season.
Lewis Grabban has also been selected for the first time since September 13 when he limped off against Nottingham Forest after 36 minutes with a hamstring injury.
Jason Steele retains his place between the sticks while Billy Jones starts the afternoon alongside skipper John O’Shea in the heart of the defence.
Sunderland: Steele, Jones, Oviedo, O’Shea, Matthews, Cattermole, Ndong, Vaughan, Watmore, McGeady, Honeyman
Subs: Ruiter, Williams, Grabban, McManaman, Love, Gibson, Gooch
