Sunderland secured their spot in the League One play-off places on Saturday afternoon, with a 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle at Home Park.

Goals from Ross Stewart, Chris Maguire and Denver Hume were enough to secure all three points for Lee Johnson's side, and a seven game winless run in the process.

With the Black Cats once again in with a shout of securing promotion back to the Championship, it is perhaps no surprise to see plenty of news emerging around the club in the past few days.

Here, we've taken a look at some of the biggest Sunderland news stories to have emerged recently.

Charlie Wyke injury update

One concern that did emerge for Sunderland from that weekend win at Plymouth, surrounds the fitness of 30-goal striker Charlie Wyke.

The 28-year-old was absent from the matchday squad for that victory over the Pilgrims, although it seems Johnson is hopeful that Wyke will be available by the time the play-offs get underway.

Providing an update on the striker after the game, the Sunderland boss revealed that Wyke is suffering from both a thigh problem, and an infected tooth, but revealed he hopes the thigh problem is not major, and that the tooth problem, while it will need an operation, should only keep him out for a few days.

 

 

Phillips tips O'Nien for new deal

One player who has been a regular feature for Sunderland this season, is the versatile Luke O'Nien.

With the Black Cats having been hampered by so many injuries, the 26-year-old has found himself filling in to several different positions to help his side cope with those setbacks, earning him a place in the League One team of the season, and it now seems that Kevin Phillips believes that O'Nien needs to rewarded for that.

Speaking to Football Insider, the Sunderland legend revealed that he expects the club to offer O'Nien a new contract to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light, with his current contract set to expire at the end of this season.

Matthews set for new deal if promotion is secured

Another soon to be out contract player whose future at Sunderland now appears to have been given some clarification, is Remi Matthews.

The goalkeeper has made just six league appearances for the Black Cats since joining the club on a one-year deal back in the summer, although it seems that could soon change.

According to a report from a print edition of The Sun (02/05, p61), there is a clause in Matthews' contract that will see his deal extended by 12 months if the club are promoted this season, while also earning him a pay rise, with the 27-year-old having apparently taken a significant wage cut after leaving Bolton last summer.