Sunderland boss Lee Johnson has told the Shields Gazette that he hopes to have Jordan Jones back fit for the club's important games against Oxford and Peterborough United. 

The Glasgow Rangers loanee has been sidelined since picking up an injury in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth and had been a key figure during the early stages of the club's current unbeaten run.

Jones had also been close to earning a recall to the Northern Ireland squad prior to sustaining his injury and will be looking to make up for lost time once he takes back to the pitch as the Black Cats embark on their season run in.

Speaking ahead of his side's upcoming league games against Oxford and Peterborough, Johnson was quick to suggest that Jones could soon be available again for the North East outfit:

"Hopefully Jordan Jones comes back for next weekend's games if he has a good week of training.

"That's another very good option for us whether it be in the starting XI or on the bench."

The 26-year-old originally arrived on loan at the Stadium of Light back in January and has racked up two goals and three assists since then, underlining the strong impact he has made in such a small period of time.

The Verdict 

I completely agree with Johnson's comments on Jones, he will add an extra string to their bow in attack and will be a welcome returnee.

The impact he has made in such a small stint has been very impressive and as a result it wouldn't surprise me if the Black Cats looked to keep him at the club past the end of the campaign.

Competition for places is as high as ever at Sunderland and that is something which can only be a good thing as they continue to close in on the automatic promotion spots.

With Jones being added back into the equation and an increasing level of confidence coursing through the squad, I feel that they will be the team to beat in this run in.