Sunderland manager Jack Ross is hoping for the return of two players ahead of his side's clash with Shrewsbury this weekend.

The Black Cats enjoyed a weekend off courtesy of the international break, whilst many of their rivals had matches. They dropped to fifth in the table by virtue of not playing, behind Doncaster and Barnsley.

The break has given the squad a chance to recover from injury and Ross is hoping for the return of Lynden Gooch and Ethan Robson.

Gooch has missed the last two matches against Bradford and Carlisle with a hamstring strain, but Ross was hopeful the midfielder will be fit to face the Shrews.

“Lynden I expect to train on the Monday after the international weekend,” Ross told the Shields Gazette before the international break.

21-year old Robson picked up his injury during the Carlisle match last week and over the weekend Ross revealed he was hopeful he too would return to full training.

“It was a combination of the impact from the tackle and he just twisted his ankle a bit. We don’t think it’s anything too serious. Hopefully he should be OK by the time the group comes back together properly."

Sunderland visit the New Meadow for the first time ever, their last trip to Salop coming in 1988 when their hosts played at their old ground, Gay Meadow.

The Verdict

Sunderland have lost a little ground this weekend and whilst they can catch it up, points on the board are better than games in hand.

Gooch has been excellent so far this season and he is the one that Ross will want back and firing on all cylinders for the trip to face John Askey's side.

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