Chris Maguire simply can’t wait to get back out onto the Stadium of Light pitch tomorrow night.
The midfielder, who has been sidelined with a fractured fibula since February, is set to be back in the squad for Sunderland’s Good Friday clash with play-off contenders Doncaster Rovers.
Defeat last time out to Coventry City has ramped up the pressure on the Lads, who slipped down to third, going into the Easter weekend and with just five games left.
Maguire’s return will undoubtedly provide a boost to the Black Cats’ hopes of climbing the league once more, and speaking to safc.com earlier this week he shared his delight at being back in the mix.
“I’ve had a bit of time out of the team which for any footballer is never enjoyable,” he said.
“You want to be playing and having your say. I’ve always backed myself to go out there and prove to people that now’s my chance.
“The injury was tough to deal with, but the recovery process has been a bit different. It’s felt quick at times and slow at other times, but if I’m honest I’m just glad to be back on the grass and kicking a ball again.”
“It’s a tough run-in and that’s now even harder because of the last two results.
“We’re disappointed with how they’ve panned out because we’d like to have a bit of a bonus on other teams.
“That isn’t the case, although, we do have a game in hand over Barnsley.
“At the end of the day, it is in our hands. We know if we win all five games, we know what the outcome is going to be.
“It is a five-game season. We have to take one game at a time. We have got the players, the belief in the changing room and the support that can back us and push us on.
“I thought on Saturday watching the game the support was brilliant. They made a real noise, but that needs to continue against Doncaster Rovers.”
