Republic of Ireland striker Stephen Elliott is back training following the ankle injury that forced him out of the recent European qualifying double-header against Cyprus and the Czech Republic.
The 22-year-old has not played since Sunderland's 3-0 win at Leeds five weeks ago but could feature in a behind-closed-doors reserve friendly against the same club tonight.
Reserve team boss Kevin Richardson won't want to rush the striker's recover unnecessarily and will start the Dubliner from the bench.
But with Ireland's qualifier against San Marino looming next month, Elliott will be eager to force his way into Roy Keane's plans ahead of upcoming games with Hull, Cardiff, Norwich and Southampton.
Elliott's former international skipper Kenny Cunningham is facing another spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee in the win over Barnsley at the weekend.
The defender was returning in that match from a two-game absence following hamstring trouble but now faces more time on the treatment table after damaging knee ligaments.
