Sunderland will be boosted by the presence of Denver Hume this weekend after the defender recovered from his four month injury lay off.

Hume made a return to action this weekend as the Black Cats Under 23 side faced Reading and he'll now be available for the trip to the Kassam Stadium as Jack Ross' side look to plot a course into the top two of League One.

Hume suffered knee ligament damage in the 1-1 draw with Coventry in September and has been out of action since, but like Duncan Watmore and Charlie Wyke, he's now fit and will feel much like a new signing around the first team squad.

The 20-year-old full back is delighted to be back in action and revealed the extent of the injury.

"It's been a while but I'm obviously pleased to get back out there, pleased to get some minutes, and hopefully I can push on now," said Hume, speaking to the Chronicle Live.

"I did my medial ligament and I had a little tear in my meniscus, that was what was giving me the trouble, but once I got that sorted out, it has been quite good since then."

He's now going to be battling Adam Matthews, Reece James and Brian Oviedo for a spot in the first team picture as the depth of Sunderland's squad continues to build.

The Verdict 

This is a boost for Sunderland, but I'd stop short of saying a big boost. Hume is likely to be on the fringe of the first team now, having missed much of the season and likely falling down the pecking order.

If he works hard and focuses on the task in hand he should command a squad place, but I can't see him in the first team as a starter.

Thoughts? Let us know!