Sunderland failed to capitalise on their home advantage against promotion rivals Portsmouth on Saturday as they drew 1-1.

The victory could have given Jack Ross' side a boost in their automatic promotion hopes, but Tom Flanagan's early strike was cancelled out by Pompey's Jamal Lowe as the Black Cats remained in fourth place.

Sunderland now face Fleetwood on Tuesday night before a trip to Southend on the final day of the regular season, but they now seem destined for the play-offs after back-t0-back draws.

Star man Aiden McGeady has been playing through injury during this promotion push, after the winger fractured his foot against Accrington Stanley at the beginning of April.

McGeady, who has scored 11 goals in 34 appearances this season, is a vital player who Ross has been desperate to utilise even when not fully fit. His quality was also recently underlined by his inclusion in the PFA's League One Team of the Year.

Ross has now provided his latest update on the winger's fitness, with the Scotsman claiming McGeady is currently playing through a lot of pain and will be assessed ahead of Tuesday's clash.

Sunderland shared McGeady's comments via Twitter:

McGeady is one of a small handful of injury concerns for the Black Cats, who are near a fully fit squad as they prepare for the play-offs.

The Verdict

Sunderland must accept their automatic promotion bid is over, and that they are heading for the play-offs.

It is not essential for McGeady to be risked in the final two games, so he should be rested.

This would give him a better chance of being available for when Sunderland need him most in the play-off semi-finals.