Phil Parkinson has provided an update on the condition of Chris Maguire after he was forced off in Tuesday’s win over Rochdale.
Sunderland secured their second home win in the space of four days to extend their run of form to just one defeat in 12 games.
The Black Cats have also kept six clean sheets in their last seven games – a record that’s helped the Lads climb back into the play-off mix.
However, Maguire, who netted the winner in Saturday’s victory over Ipswich Town, was forced off with a dead leg against Dale and Parkinson has confirmed he is monitoring his progress.
“There was no need for us to risk him last night,” he said.
“As soon as he had taken the knock, we took him straight off but he is feeling a lot better today.
“We will continue to assess him over the next few days.
“We have got players chomping at the bit for an opportunity to come in,” he continued.
“The lads out of the team have been training really well once again, but it is difficult when you bring players in and they don’t get the opportunities to play straight away.
“They are all good players but the ones in the team have all gone up a level with that competition in the squad.
“The best regulator for training standards is getting that competition in the group and I certainly feel it has gone up a notch in recent weeks.”