McGeady faces late fitness check ahead of Portsmouth clash

Posted Thursday, April 25, 2019 by PA

Sunderland boss Jack Ross will once again make a late check on winger Aiden McGeady ahead of the club’s revenge mission against Sky Bet League One promotion rivals Portsmouth.

The Republic of Ireland international has been playing with painkilling injections after breaking a bone in his foot at Accrington earlier this month, but his condition is being monitored constantly and Ross will take advice from both his medical staff and the player before making his decision.

Ross named an unchanged team for Monday’s 1-1 draw with Peterborough, in which they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to leave themselves two points adrift of Portsmouth, who beat them on penalties in last month’s Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley.

Midfielder Chris Maguire made his first appearance since February 19 after recovering from a fractured fibula when he came on as a late substitute against Posh, and Duncan Watmore (ankle ligaments) is the only definite absentee.

Pompey boss Kenny Jackett will run the rule over his battle-weary troops after a gruelling, but ultimately successful, Easter weekend.

Victories over Burton and Coventry have left the club leading the pack chasing leaders Luton and second-placed Barnsley, but with fatigue starting to play its part.

Jackett made a double half-time change in Monday’s 2-1 home win against the Sky Blues, replacing Gareth Evans and Oliver Hawkins with Ronan Curtis and former Everton striker James Vaughan, although it was Brett Pitman’s late strike which completed a comeback victory.

On-loan Cardiff striker Omar Bogle will not be involved as the medical staff assess the knee and ankle injuries they fear will sideline him for several weeks.