Loovens back in the mix as Sunderland take on Shrews

Posted Friday, December 28, 2018 by PA

Glenn Loovens will return to contention for Sunderland’s League One clash against Shrewsbury after sitting out on Boxing Day through suspension.

The defender, who received a one-match ban for his red card at Portsmouth last Saturday and could only look on as the Black Cats beat Bradford 1-0 in front of a crowd of 46,039 at the Stadium of Light, is available once again to face the Shrews.

Striker Charlie Wyke was used as a late substitute against the Bantams, his first appearance since suffering a knee injury at Burton in September, and he will hope for a further taste of the action.

Reece James and Duncan Watmore were left out of the starting line-up on Wednesday, while George Honeyman (ankle) and Adam Matthews (calf) were unavailable and will be assessed.

Shrewsbury boss Sam Ricketts could be tempted to make changes after a 2-1 Boxing Day defeat at Accrington.

Ricketts, who had tasted victory for the first time in the league in his new post against Coventry four days earlier, named the same XI and saw them concede twice with the first 21 minutes at the Wham Stadium.

Full-back Omar Beckles could return after missing the last two games with a niggle.

However, winger Shaun Whalley is still sidelined by the hamstring injury he picked up during the 2-2 draw with Peterborough on December 15.