Sunderland travel to Rochdale this weekend knowing that if results go their way, they could return to the automatic promotion spots after the game.

If they were to win and Barnsley lose, the two sides would be level on points.

It would take a four goal swing to see the Black Cats back in the top two, but with a couple of games in hand as well it would give them the upper hand in the hunt for a Championship spot.

Manager Jack Ross is hoping his side can replicate their scintillating form of Wednesday night, when they brushed aside Accrington Stanley with a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

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The former St Mirren boss revealed that Aiden McGeady, shortlisted for League One Player of the Year, has been playing through the pain barrier recently, something he expects again at Spotland.

"There have been a lot of games where Aiden has played through pain and discomfort because he picks up knocks, as you can imagine, given the way he plays," he told the Chronicle Live.

"There have been games where he has been sore either during the match or prior to it but his determination to play on has been remarkable, and to train every day too. I would hope that is because we have created something here that he wants to be a part of."

"His whole approach to it has been terrific and he is getting his reward with the season he is having on the pitch."

McGeady is on a three man shortlist for the EFL Award, with John Marquis and James Collins the other players up for consideration.

The Verdict

McGeady has been excellent for Sunderland, despite beginning the season with an injury.

However, with the squad they have, they'd be sensible to give him a match off to recover properly and perhaps let Lynden Gooch, Max Power or someone of that ilk have a run out.

With the games in hand they have, they can afford to be cautious at this stage.