Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson has revealed that defender Joel Lynch has returned to training this week following his layoff through injury.

The 32-year-old has been out of action since being knocked unconscious in a collision with Black Cats goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin during their 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth at the start of February.

Lynch also suffered damage to his ribs in the incident, but it now seems as though he is closing in on a welcome return to action for Parkinson's side.

Providing an update on the situation surrounding the centre back, Parkinson was quoted by The Shields Gazette as saying: “Lynchy is back in training today, so I'm pleased with that.

“In terms of the concussion he was fine but the bruising on the ribs was a problem. But in the last two or three days he's made great strides."

Discussing when that could allow Lynch to come back into contention for selection, Parkinson added: "That's good news for us and brings him back into the picture, if not for the weekend then certainly for Tuesday.”

This weekend sees Sunderland host Bristol Rovers at the Stadium of Light, before Fleetwood Town make the trip to the North East on Tuesday to take on the Black Cats.

Since joining Sunderland on a one-year deal back in August following his release from Championship side QPR, Lynch has made a total of 20 appearances in all competitions for the Black Cats, helping them to fifth in the current League One standings.

The Verdict

This will be a big boost for Sunderland.

Following the recent news of on-loan Bristol City man Bailey Wright's potentially season-ending ankle injury, Sunderland do look rather short of numbers at centre back.

The return of Lynch to the side will help them combat that somewhat, and having that extra cover ought to be a welcome relief for Sunderland in the battle for promotion.

For Lynch as well, the timing of this ought to suit him, since it could now give him the chance of enjoying a run in the side to prove he deserves to be given a new contract with the club beyond the end of this season.