McGeady returns as Sunderland face Portsmouth in play-offs

Posted Friday, May 10, 2019 by PA

Sunderland boss Jack Ross will have a trio of key men back at his disposal for Saturday evening’s League One play-off semi-final, first-leg clash with Portsmouth.

Winger Aiden McGeady missed the back-to-back defeats by Fleetwood and Southend as he rested the foot injury with which he had been playing after pain-killing injections, but is available once again.

Midfielders Lee Cattermole (minor knock) and George Honeyman (knee) will also return to contention after sitting out the trip to Southend.

Striker Duncan Watmore, who has been sidelined since the beginning of March with an ankle ligament injury, is back in training, but may have to wait until Thursday’s second leg for his return.

Pompey boss Kenny Jackett will welcome back a rejuvenated Jamal Lowe for the fourth clash between the two clubs this season.

Leading scorer Lowe was rested for last Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Accrington after his manager sensed fatigue in the wake of his 53rd appearance of the season against Peterborough on April 30.

Jackett otherwise has a near-full squad from which to select with only long-term absentee Jack Whatmough and Dion Donohue unavailable.

Portsmouth have enjoyed the better of their head-to-head with Sunderland to date, taking four points in the league and beating the Black Cats on penalties in the Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley.