Sunderland's long-term absentee Duncan Watmore will be part of the squad to face Notts County this evening in the Checkatrade trophy, completing his comeback from an injury nightmare.

The flying winger has been out since the beginning of last season, but after a recent appearance in the Under 23 side, he's now ready to take on full first team action.

Manager Jack Ross revealed that the 24-year-old is part of his plans for this evening's second-round match.

“Duncan (Watmore) will be part of the squad,” he told the club's official site. “He will get some game time tomorrow on his way back from his injury.

“Having seen what we have from him in previous games and in training we are really excited to have him back."

The former Altrincham player suffered cruciate ligament damage at the beginning of last season, not long after fighting back from the same injury sustained as a Premier League player.

He has England Under 20 and Under 21 honours but has been forced to put his career on hold until he regains full fitness.

The Black Cats face Notts County this evening in the second round of the EFL Trophy, looking to extend an unbeaten run of 15 games in all competitions.

The Verdict

If he comes back the same player he was, League One fullbacks are going to have nightmares. He was a quick and tricky winger, shifting the ball nicely and always prepared to drop a shoulder and accelerate.

These injuries could have taken a huge toll though and the fear is he's lost a little of that edge. We'll see very soon, starting this evening.

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