Sunderland have been boosted by the return of three first team players for Saturday's home clash against Burton Albion, Chris Coleman has confirmed.

Defensive trio John O'Shea, Adam Matthews and Billy Jones have all trained today and are in contention to play in the relegation six pointer at the Stadium of Light on the weekend.

Sunderland currently face an uphill struggle to survive in the Championship this season and they know that a loss against Burton this weekend would all but consign them to League One football next season, as well as massively boosting the Brewers' hopes of staying up.

The Black Cats sit six points adrift of safety at the bottom of the league with just three games remaining, including this weekend's fixture against Burton.

Coleman has defensive options to choose from now, though, as right backs Adam Matthews and Billy Jones are available as well as centre half John O'Shea.

Left back Bryan Oviedo, however, remains a doubt for the game and he will be assessed before Coleman makes a decision on whether he will play.

Oviedo had to be withdrawn early in the second half in Sunderland's 2-2 draw at Reading last week and could miss out, alongside Joel Asoro, Lynden Gooch and Donald Love.

The Verdict

While this is positive news for Sunderland, I believe it is too late now for them to stay afloat. They might beat Burton at home this weekend but they would still be at least three points off safety with two games left and it is not in their hands. Without attacking threats like Asoro and Gooch, Sunderland will struggle to score goals.

Sunderland fans - What do you make of this team news? Let us know below...