Lee Johnson has confirmed that Bailey Wright will be in contention for Sunderland's clash with Wigan Athletic this evening.

The Black Cats travel to the DW Stadium in search of a valuable three points as they look to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive following a disappointing weekend that saw them lose ground on Hull City and Peterborough United.

Sunderland will need leaders and thankfully for them it seems like they'll have one in the mix again for the clash with the Latics.

Wright has been out of action since mid-February but has been working hard behind the scenes to get himself fit to play a role in the club's promotion push - something that Lee Johnson has confirmed will happen.

Speaking to Sunderland's official club website, Johnson said: "Bailey Wright looks like he is ready to go – his injury has healed and there is no doubting that.

“Ideally you would like to get him some Under-23 minutes where possible, but we know Bails as a performer, as a character – and know the level of experience that he’s got – and also as a professional in terms of his fitness.

"If there’s anyone that could step straight in, it’s him.

“When Bailey Wright is fit, he’s got to be in consideration because of what he brings. As a manager, you don’t want a reoccurrence of injuries and you want your key men, all men, fit."

The verdict

This is a massive boost for Sunderland.

Bailey Wright is a big player for the Black Cats on and off the pitch and so for him to be involved for the trip to Wigan Athletic is huge.

Whether he'll start the game is doubtful, but this is certainly progress for Lee Johnson's side and bodes well for the rest of the season.