Jack Ross has revealed Aiden McGeady will return to training tomorrow ahead of Sunderland’s first leg Play-Off semi-final against Portsmouth.
The Black Cats kick-off their Play-Off campaign this Saturday at the Stadium of Light at 7:30pm, looking to put to bed a barren run of form.
Having recorded just one win in their last seven games, Ross knows the importance of freshening things up and to do that he could look to Republic of Ireland star McGeady to provide a much-needed spark.
The 33-year-old, who has missed trips to Fleetwood Town and Southend United, is set to train on Friday at the Academy of Light after struggling with a foot injury sustained at Accrington Stanley in early April.,
Speaking to the media at Thursday’s press conference, Ross provided the latest team news in full, with Lee Cattermole and George Honeyman also set to return.
“He will train tomorrow, but that has been a conscious decision,” he said.
“He possibly could have trained today, but the long break he’s been able to have has been of real benefit to him.
“Ideally, we’ve have another two/three week rest and he would be completely healed, but he’s certainly benefited from the week, he feels good and is looking forward to the game.”
“We’re pretty much at full strength now.
“Aiden [McGeady] has benefited from this extended break that we’ve managed to give him.
“People will always point to his natural ability and the level of the game that he’s played at, but what he’s done this season is marry that with a real hunger about his play, and a desire to try and take the club back up.
“That’s been reflected in his performances and when you marry those two things together it’s always going to be talismanic for you time-after-time. To have him back available is a huge boost for us.
“We recognise the quality he brings and the more match-winners you can have in your team the bigger chance you have.”
He continued: “Lee [Cattermole] and George [Honeyman] had some minor issues that made them miss the Southend game but they’ll be fine."
