Sunderland have been handed a boost ahead of their play-off semi-final second leg against Portsmouth with Alim Ozturk seeing his one-match suspension overturned.

The defender was dismissed for a challenge on Gareth Evans just after Chris Maguire had put the Black Cats in front in the first leg, but Jack Ross' side still held on to a precious 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.

It emerged on Monday that Sunderland had been successful in their appeal against the defender's red card, which means he is available to feature in the return leg at Fratton Park.

Sunderland boss has described this news as a major boost, especially given how well Ozturk has been playing on Saturday before his wrongful dismissal.

"It’s a big boost for us to have Alim (Ozturk) available," Ross told the club's Twitter.

"He has done well recently, and I said at the time it wasn’t a red card. It’s good to have him available because he was playing well for us on Saturday."

Ozturk struggled to break into the Sunderland side after arriving from Boluspor over the summer, but he has recently established himself in Ross' side after playing every minute in the club's final five matches.

The Verdict

This is a welcome boost for Sunderland who will be keen to have as many players as possible available for Thursday.

Ozturk had put in a solid defensive showing before the red card was shown, and Sunderland will benefit from continuity in their defensive set-up for the reverse fixture.

Ross will just be thankful that the red card didn't cost his side a goal, as you would think there would then be stronger feelings of anger at the initial decision.