Sunderland kept up with the pack in the League One promotion race on Saturday, sat in third but just two points behind second-place Barnsley.

Veteran midfielder Lee Cattermole scored his fifth goal of the season in the 2-0 win against Plymouth Argyle last weekend, with George Honeyman making sure of the win.

They face Bristol Rovers in the semi-finals of the Checkatrade Trophy this week, and if they get to the final at Wembley they will come up against League One promotion rivals Portsmouth after Kenny Jackett’s side beat Bury in their semi last week.

And manager Jack Ross provided an encouraging update on the fitness of left-back Bryan Oviedo, revealing that he is now back in training.

The Costa Rican has not turned out for the Black Cats since the start of the year and will be a welcome return to the squad.

But is it a big boot for the club?

We discuss…

Chris Gallagher

“It's a big boost.

“At this stage of the season every game is important and the fixtures are building up for Sunderland so to have an experienced player like Oviedo available is a positive.

“Whether he deserves to come into the team is another question but he will give Ross more competition for places which is important.”

Louie Chandler

“It is undoubtedly a boost.

“There is not a lot of chance that Oviedo will be at the club past the end of the season, given his large wages, but whilst he is here he should be used.

“He is a class above most other League One left-backs.”

Alfie Burns

"Ross will be pleased.

"It's getting towards the business end of the season and experience is going to be massive for Sunderland in the run-in.

"Having a player like Oviedo available gives them a better chance of success."