Danny Batth signed for Sunderland in January but has not had an ideal start to life with the Black Cats after suffering an ankle injury.

As a consequence of this, the defender has only made four appearances for Sunderland so far.

However, Batth made a step towards recovery last night as he featured for Sunderland's U23 side as they took on Burnley at home and was able to play the full 90 minutes.

Batth was amongst a number of first team players in the team including Arbenit Xhemajli, Leon Dajaku and Elliot Embleton.

Despite having some experienced players in the squad, Sunderland were unable to overcome their opponents and Burnley came out victorious at 2-0.

After the international break, Sunderland host Gillingham who are currently in a relegation battle.

The Black Cats will be hoping to come out on top in a bid to secure themselves a place in the play-offs where there currently sit but only one point clear of Sheffield Wednesday and Wycombe below them.

Though it may be too soon for Batth to return to 90 minutes in the league given that he got through the U23 game okay, Alex Neil will be hoping he will be able to call on the 31-year-old during the remaining seven games of the season.

The Verdict:

It's good to see Danny Batth making progress in his recovery as he has been hindered by this injury since joining Sunderland in January and will be eager to push on himself.

Thankfully for the player, he initially signed for the Black Cats on an 18 month contract meaning he doesn't have to worry about his immediate future and consequently won't feel as though he has to rush his recovery.

Although Alex Neil's side have coped without him, once he signed in January Batth started every one of the four games he played showing that his manager rates him highly.

How much of a part he will have to play in his side's seven remaining games is yet to be seen but no doubt, Neil will be grateful to have more options available as his side push for their play-off place.