Sunderland must negotiate the play-offs if they are to seal a Championship return after Jack Ross' side missed out on automatic promotion.

The Black Cats went without a win in their last four games of the season to see them drop to a fifth-placed finish in the League One table and set up a play-off semi-final with Portsmouth.

These two legs will be the fourth and fifth times the clubs have met this season after they also clashed at Wembley in the Checkatrade Trophy final, which Portsmouth won.

Ahead of the first leg at the Stadium of Light, Ross has delivered a squad fitness update that will be well-received by Sunderland fans.

"We are pretty much at full strength," he told the club's Twitter.

"Aiden has benefited from the break we've given him, Lee and George had some minor issues but they'll be fine. Duncan Watmore, it will probably be a bit too soon for him."

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Aiden McGeady's return will come as a boost as he missed Sunderland's last two matches with a foot problem. McGeady has been Sunderland's shining light this season, having scored 11 goals in 34 appearances for Ross' side to see him named in the PFA League One Team of the Year.

The confirmation of Lee Cattermole and George Honeyman's availability provides a further boost for the Black Cats.

The Verdict

McGeady's availability is excellent news for Sunderland.

It proves that Ross made the right call to leave him out of the last two matches after he had played the previous four matches through injury.

This means he will be ready to perform at his best, and Sunderland will need him to help resurrect their late-season dip.

Thoughts? Let us know!