Sunderland are still in the hunt for a League One automatic promotion place, despite being held to 1-1 draw by Peterborough on Easter Monday.

Jack Ross' side are four points behind second-placed Barnsley with a game in hand, but they are relying on the Tykes dropping points in their final two games.

The Black Cats are now preparing for a crucial meeting with third-placed Portsmouth, with a defeat for either side effectively ruling them out of the automatic promotion picture.

Ross has now delivered a promising update ahead of this crucial test, by revealing he is now edging towards having a fully fit squad at his disposal.

Duncan Watmore has been sidelined since damaging his ankle against Wycombe last month, and the club's academy product will remain out for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, it has recently emerged that Aiden McGeady has been playing with fractured foot since Sunderland's clash with Accrington at the start of the month.

The winger has not been at his scintillating best in recent weeks, but his contribution has not seen Ross reconsider his decision to continue playing him.

The Verdict

Sunderland now face an uphill battle to achieve automatic promotion, so it is very important they have a full squad available for a potential extra month of action in the play-offs.

McGeady has been a shining light for Sunderland this term, so Ross has made the right call to continue playing him while he carries an injury.

Given there are only a handful of games left, the long-term cost does not need to be a major consideration.