Sunderland manager Jack Ross has said midfielder Max Power is two or three weeks ahead of schedule in his recovery from injury. 

Power injured his ankle in the Black Cats' play-off final defeat to Charlton Athletic at the end of last season.

Despite being expected to miss the start of the season, the 25-year-old came off the bench for the final 20 minutes of his side's pre-season friendly against Belenenses in Portugal.

There has been no confirmation over whether the midfielder will now be ready to go come the start of the season but Ross said he was showing encouraging signs in his recovery.

Speaking to Chronicle Live, he said: "Power trained well and hard on Saturday morning and we thought from that he could play a little part in the game.

"It was important getting him on the pitch for 20 minutes as he is probably two or three weeks ahead of schedule so that’s a real boost for us.”

The Scottish coach added that he was hoping Aiden McGeady, who was hampered by a broken bone in his foot at the end of last season, would be available soon.

He said: "Aiden [McGeady]’s injury is slightly different and given the relationship I have with him, I know that if he felt absolutely right then he would have been on the pitch tonight.

“All being well, when we return, he might be involved in some way in the Heerenveen game next weekend.”

The Verdict

It will be a huge boost for Ross and his side if Power and McGeady are fit for the start of the season.

The central midfielder was an important and trusted player for Sunderland last season, making 35 appearances in the league and starting in all three of the games in their play-off run, while McGeady was vital to the Black Cats going forward, contributing 14 goals and six assists.

Sunderland will be targeting promotion back to the Championship this season and having both McGeady and Power available as early as possible will be vital in that push.