O'Neill: 'Bardsley is properly fit now'

Martin O'Neill says defender Phil Bardsley is finally fit enough to help the Black Cats in their fight against Premier League relegation.

Bardsley, 27, had made just seven Premier League starts for Sunderland this term after getting injured early in the Lads' pre-season preparations.

However, after making just one appearance in the past two months, O'Neill has told Sky Sports News that the Scotland international is fit enough to return to the side:

'We rate him as properly fit now and the more players we have at our disposal, the better it will be at a time in the season when we need everyone at the club pulling together to get good results,' said O'Neill.

Craig Gardner has filled in at right-back during Bardsley's absence, but the central midfielder has struggled manfully out of position, conceding a number of penalties in the process.

'Phil's had a tough old season,' admitted O'Neill.

'When you're someone like him, who was injured on his second day back in pre-season, it's hard to get back to the pinnacle.

'But his fitness is improving and with that will come confidence.'

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