It seems everything is falling into place for Sunderland at the moment, with their Championship promotion push entering a crucial stage.

They've made it to within touching distance of leaders Portsmouth and are currently on an eight game winning streak in all competitions. Their unbeaten run stretches back further, 11 games in all.

They won in the EFL Trophy last night to keep their Wembley hopes alive, with a mixture of young guns and seasoned professionals winning 1-0 against Morecambe. Following the game, assistant manager James Fowler gave an update on Donald Love, currently out injured.

"He's on his way back," Fowler told the Sunderland Echo.

"He took a knock a couple of weeks ago but we'll hopefully see him back on the grass this week or next week."

The 23-year old former Manchester United defender appeared just four times at the beginning of the season, but hasn't played since the first game of September against Oxford United.

With both Charlie Wyke and Duncan Watmore closing in on a return too, it seems as though Sunderland are set to get even better as autumn turns into winter.

The Verdict

This is a big boost for the Black Cats, yet another one. The players they've got coming back are not fringe players, they're good professionals who should do well at this level.

Max Power is also back in the fold following his suspension, meaning they're set to welcome up to four senior players back into the squad. League One clubs need to take heed.

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