Defenders back in training...

Defenders George McCartney and Stephen Wright are back in full training for Sunderland after recovering from their respective injuries.

Northern Irish defender McCartney suffered a setback 2 weeks ago but is back on track and is now able to take part in full training. The left back is yet to figure for Sunderland this season because of a hamstring injury.

Stephen Wright is also taking part in full training after a thigh strain and both players will be hoping to follow Kevin Kyle's lead and take part in some reserve team action soon.

The big striker is set to play his second reserve outing next week since returning from injury, and will be hoping to complete 90minutes.

Still on the injury front, Manager Mick McCarthy has given more information regarding striker Stephen Elliot's absence through a spinal injury;

'I'm not going to say Stephen won't play again this season'

'If he becomes pain-free in the next couple of weeks, he will be only a further couple of weeks getting fit because he's a naturally-fit young fella and we will see him back playing.

'But there's no point, for his long-term future, in trying to rush him back.