Dubliner Stephen Elliott will make his long awaited return to action tomorrow night when Sunderland’s reserves play Aston Villa.
The 22-year-old striker suffered a stress fracture of the back and has not played since November. He was back jogging last week and is hoping for a swift return to the senior squad.
Elliott is also in Steve Staunton’s Republic of Ireland squad to face Sweden next week and the Ireland boss is hopeful the striker will prove his fitness ahead of the squad’s get together this weekend.
Rory Delap could also feature in the Villa game after recovering from an Achilles injury. The Irish international has yet to feature for Sunderland since joining from Southampton last month.
John O’Shea is another who returns after a spell on the treatment table. The Waterford man returns for Manchester United’s reserves tonight after a month out with fractured ribs.
He is also in Staunton’s squad for next week but is first hoping to capitalise on Alan Smith’s injury-woe by forcing himself into Alex Ferguson’s squad for Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Wigan.
