Sunderland midfielder Max Power admits he may have to settle for a place on the bench against Coventry this afternoon as he returns from suspension.

The summer signing enjoyed an extremely positive start to life as a Black Cats player, scoring two goals in five games and become an instant crowd favourite with his performances.

However, he was sent off early into the Oxford game at the start of the month and has been banned since.

Despite Jack Ross' men struggling in the first two league games without him, they thrashed Rochdale 4-1 last time out and Power told the Sunderland Echo he knows he has no right to walk straight back into the team.

"For me it’s now a case of trying to fight my way back into the side. After a 4-1 win, I couldn’t have timed it any better! That’ll make it harder but there are no moans and groans from me, I’d never demand I should be playing or anything like that."

"It’s up to me to get back. I’ll wait for my opportunity and try to take it when it comes."

The former St. Mirren boss has some good options to choose from in the middle of the park, with Lee Cattermole, George Honeyman and Dylan McGeouch all available for the game against the Sky Blues.

The Verdict

This is a fantastic attitude to have and says a lot about Power.

A lot of players can come across as selfish but he is clearly recognising the work his teammates did last week and knows there is real quality in his position.

Whilst it presents Ross with a real selection dilemma, he will be delighted to have Power back as he is a fine player at this level.

Thoughts, Sunderland fans? Let us know in the comments below.

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